Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2010  witii  funding  from 

Boston  Library  Consortium  IVIember  Libraries 


littp://www.arcliive.org/details/publicdocumentsrOOnewy 


PUBLIC  DOCUMENTS, 


RELATING    TO  THE 


SilEWa^^iaiS  OiiSJ^^Li 


'9 


WHICH  ARE  TO  CONNECT 


THE  WESTERN  AJYD  NORTHERJV  LAKES. 


WITH  THE 


ATLANTIC  OCEAN; 


WITH  AN 


PRINTED   UNDER     THE    DIRECTION  OF  THE    NEW-YORK    CORRES- 
PONDING ASSOCIATION,   FOR  THE  PROMOTION  OF 
INTERNAL     IMPROVEMENTS. 


NEW-YORK: 


WILLIAM  A.  MERCEIN,  PRINTER, 
No.  93,  Gold-Street 

182L 


/I  w 


At  a  meeting  of  the  New-York  Corresponding  Association  for  the 
promotion  of  Internals  Improvements.  Resolved,  that  Charles 
G.  Haines,  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  this  Society,  collect 
and  publish,  in  a  durable  form,  the  Public  Documents,  relating 
to  the  New- York  Canals,  and  that  he  prepare  a  suitable  Intro- 
duction for  the  same 

August  182L 


DISTRICT  OF  NEW-YORK,  ss. 

BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  that  on  the  twentieth  day  of  September,  in  the  forfy-sixth 
#^**#;*  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America,  William  A. 
^L.S.iSMercein,  of  the  said  District,  has  deposited  in  this  Office,  the  title  of 
<^^j~{;4jwj;^  a  Book,  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  proprietor,  in  the  words  following 
to  wit : 

"  The  Pubflic  Documents  relating  to  the  New- York  Canals  which  are  to  connect  the 
Western  and  Northern  Lakes  with  the  Atlantic  Ocean  ;    with  an  Introduction. 

In  conformity  to  the  Act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled,  "An  Act 
for  the  encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books, 
to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the  time  therein  mentioned." 
And  also  to  an  Act,  entitled  "  An  Act,  supplementary  to  an  Act,  «;ntitled  an  Act  for  the 
encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  tb*.  copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to 
the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned,  and  ex- 
tending the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  engraving,  and  etching,  historical 
and  other  prints-" 

JAMES  DILL, 
Clerk  of  the  Southern  District  of  New-York. 


BOSTON  COLLEGE  LIBRARY 

CHESTNUT  HILL,  MA  021  67 


The  commencement,  progress,  and  completion  of 
the  New-York  canals,  will  hereafter  constitute  a  sub- 
ject of  deep  and  anxious  inquiry.  These  vast  and 
magnificent  undertakings  will  be  contemplated  by 
future  generations,  among  those  monuments  of  public 
policy,  that  mark  the  genius  of  an  age,  and  distin- 
guish the  spirit,  enterprise,  and  capacity  of  a  power- 
ful people.  Nothing  concerning  them  should  be  left 
to  conjecture.  When  the  facilities  to  perpetuate  the 
memory  of  all  important  details,  are  so  numerous  as 
they  are  at  present,  neglect  would  deserve  reproach. 

It  is  a  lasting  censure  on  the  age  of  Louis  XIV, 
illustrious  as  it  was  for  great  writers,  and  when  men 
of  letters  and  genius  condescended  to  give  the  in- 
trigues of  his  courtezans,  and  to  describe  the  man- 
ners and  munificence  of  his  court,  that  the  most  au- 
thentic history  of  the  canal  of  Languedoc,  which 
unites  the  two  seas,  was  written  in  1800,  and  that 
even  this  work  is  destitute  of  many  important  de- 
tails connected  with  its  subject.  As  to  the  canals 
of  China,  intersecting  each  other,  over  the  face  of 
that  immense  empire,  and  opening  communications 
between  the  greatest  cities  in  the  world,  nothing  is 
known  of  them  which  can  essentially  facilitate  the 
enterprise  of  other  nations  in  similar  works;  and  we 
have  no  public  documents  that  inform  us  of  the  be- 
ginning, advancement,  and  completion  of  the  canals 
of  Russia,  uniting  the  Caspian  and  the  Baltic,  and 
other  waters  of  magnitude,  although  the  story  of 
minor  and  unimportant  events,  in  the  civil  history  of 
the  north,  has  reached  us  in  a  circumstantial  form.  As 


IV  INTRODUCTION. 

to  the  histories  of  ancient  improvements,  for  the  ex- 
tension of  commerce,  and  the  encouragement  of  agri- 
culture, manufactures  and  the  arts,  they  are  lost 
in  the  oblivion  of  a  thousand  ages,  while  the  solemni- 
ties of  a  feast,  and  the  consecration  of  an  idol,  are 
embellished  by  the  taste  of  the  historian,  emblazoned 
in  the  orations  of  the  statesman,  or  breathed  in  the 
glovv^ing  numbers  of  epic  song. 

Public  documents,  like  those  now  submitted  in  their 
present  form,  are  the  best  sources  of  history.  They 
come  forth  under  the  sanction  of  government.  Their 
basis  is  facts.  The  principles  and  details  which  they 
exhibit  are  settled  with  caution,  scrutiny,  and  with 
every  advantage  which  pertains  to  investigation. 
Although  the  papers  here  published  in  a  comprehen- 
sive and  durable  shape,  will  be  followed  by  some 
others  of  a  similar  nature  before  the  New-York  canals 
are  entirely  completed;  yet  the  elements  of  these 
works,  the  causes  and  reasons  which  induced  their 
Undertaking,  and  the  poHcy  upon  which  they  rest,  are 
here  exhibited.  The  future  reports  of  the  commis- 
sioners can  be  added  to  the  present  volume.  They 
will  only  illustrate  what  has  already  been  laid  down. 
The  collection  of  facts  now  embodied,  will  afford 
light  and  data  to  other  states  and  other  countries:— 
they  are  facts  too,  which  would  ere  long  be  scatter- 
ed and  lost,  or  only  be  preserved  in  the  departments 
of  state,  and  be  procured  with  difficulty  by  the  states- 
man, the  political  economist,  the  philosopher,  and 
the  historian. 

But  we  are  influenced  by  another  consideration. 
When  a  single  state  in  the  American  confederacy, 
undertakes  and  is  successfully  accomphshing  the 
grandest  works  of  the  kind  that  ever  appeared 
in  the  policy  of  nations ;  when  a  single   member  of 


INTRODUCTION.  V 

the  union  possesses  resources  and  physical  energies, 
sufficient  to  unite  the  Atlantic  ocean,  and  the  lakes 
of  the  north  and  the  west,  by  more  than  400  miles  of 
canal  navigation,every  thing  connected  with  imp«'Ove- 
ments'of  such  magnitude  becomes  interesting.  Admira- 
tion is  created,  not  only  on  our  own,  but  on  the  other 
continent.  During  the  last  two  years,  repeated  appli- 
cations from  different  sections  of  the  United  States,  as 
well  as  orders  from  Europe,  have  been  made  to  the 
chief  magistrate  of  New- York,  and  to  other  official 
characters,  for  every  document  concerning  our  ca- 
nals, and  oftentimes  without  success.  These  requests 
will  continue  to  be  made  by  distinguished  indi- 
viduals, scattered  from  London  to  Madrid,  and  from 
Madrid  to  Paris,  Vienna,  and  St.  Petersburgh.  The 
means  of  rendering  them  effectual  will  now  be  fur- 
nished. 

We  shall  adduce  another  reason  for  the  present 
publication.  We  wish  to  encourage  aud  sustain,  as 
far  as  possible,  a  spirit  for  internal  improvements 
vitally  essential  to  the  growth,  power,  and  happi- 
ness of  the  American  nation.  We  consider  the  great 
western  canal  but  a  portion  of  that  grand  chain  of 
inland  navigation,  that  is  one  day  to  r^der  the  Uni- 
ted States  an  island,  and  present  a  line  of  towns^ 
villages,  and  marts  of  trade  and  exchange,  from  New- 
York  to  New-Orleans,  from  New-Orleans  to  Phila- 
delphia ;  from  the  mouth  of  the  Hudson  to  those 
of  the  Mississippi  and  the  Delaware.  The  manifest 
blessings  of  this  undertaking,  will  never  be  fully  rea- 
lized, until  the  waters  of  the  great  lakes  descend  to 
the  east  and  to  the  west  through  the  Hudson  and  Mis- 
sissippi: until  these  two  rivers  become  the  arms  of  that 
vast  body  of  water  included  in  the  basins  of  our  in- 
land seas.    That  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  that  bold 


VI  INTROBUCTICN. 

forecast  which  struck  out  the  plan  of  uniting  lake 
Erie  with  the  Atlantic  ocean,  and  that  firmness  of 
political  conduct,  that  overawed  weak  minds,  and  has 
carried  forward  the  work  to  the  present  stage  of  its 
execution,  must  be  found  beyond  the  Alleghany 
mountains,  before  we  shall  see  the  great  undertaking 
consummated  in  all  its  consequences.  How  long  will 
our  western  brethren  slumber !  Their  moral  and  phy- 
sical strength  is  sufficient  to  annihilate  obstacles  of 
of  every  description.  There  are  statesmen  and  finan- 
ciers— there  are  civil  engineers  and  labourers — there 
is  nothing  wanting  but  resolution  and  perseverance. 

It  is  unnecessary,  in  this  introduction,  to  dwell  with 
any  minuteness  on  those  facts  w^hich  appear  in  the 
reports  that  follow.  Practical  men  will  find  them  a 
fertile  source  of  the  most  useful  information.  The 
whole  length  of  canal-line,  when  lake  Erie  and 
lake  Champlain  are  united  to  the  Hudson,  will  be 
414  miles,  the  Erie  canal  making  353,  and  the  North- 
ern canal  61  miles.  The  expenses  of  both  are  esti- 
mated at  $5,371,814— the  sum  of  $4,57 1,8 13,  being 
appropriated  to  the  Western,  and  $800,000  to  the 
Northern  canal.  Their  width  at  the  surface  is  40  feet, 
and  at  the  bottom,  28  feet.  The  length  of  a  lock  is  90 
feet,  and  the  width  14  feet.  Boats  of  100  tons  bur- 
then will  be  able  to  navigate  on  their  waters. 

The  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  Western 
and  Northern  canals,  by  the  State  of  New-York, 
and  by  the  nation  at  large  will  here  command  our 
attention.  Our  view  cannot  be  perfect.  In  estimat- 
ing the  benefits  of  those  immense  public  works,  that 
will  change  the  internal  relations  of  a  great  country, 
and  create  a  new  era  in  the  history  of  her  trade, 
agriculture  and  manufactures,  much  must  be  left  for 
time  and  experience  to  reveal :  but  even  their  partial 


INTRODUCTION.  Vll 

summary  is  the  surest  pledge  of  zeal  and  celeritj  in 
the  execution  of  what  remains  to  be  done. 

Before  we  proceed  further,  we  shall  look  at  some 
of  the  remote  consequences  of  the  Western  canal. 
The  internal  communications  and  the  inland  trade^ 
which  it  will  promote,  naturally  press  upon  our  reflec- 
tion. Let  us  admit  the  work  to  be  completed,  and 
then  look  at  the  waters,  and  rivers  which  could  be 
connected  with  it,  from  the  mouth  of  the  Hudson  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi.  By  the  Northern  canal, 
which  will  form  a  junction  with  the  Western  canal 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Mohawk,  we  acquire  a  com- 
munication with  lake  Champlain  and  its  tributary 
streams.  Passing  on  further  to  the  west,  on  the  right 
or  northern  side  of  the  canal-line,  we  find  lake  Onei- 
da and  the  Oswego  river,  through  which  there  can 
be  a  direct  and  easy  connexion  with  lake  Ontario. 
There  is  already  a  lateral  canal  to  Onondaga  lake. 
Commencing  at  the  banks  of  the  Hudson,  and  pass- 
ing along  the  left  or  southerly  side  of  the  canal-line, 
we  find  the  Skeneatalas,  Owasco,  Cayuga,  Seneca, 
and  Canandaigua  lakes,  lying  in  a  direction  from 
north  to  south,  forming  nearly  right  angles  with  the 
canal-line,  and  in  fact  serving  for  so  many  lateral  ca- 
nals themselves.  There  is  already  a  steam-boat  niavi- 
gation  on  the  Cayuga  lake,  a  project  for  a  canal  be- 
tween Canandaigua  and  the  canal-line,  and  by  means 
of  the  Seneca,  the  canal  will  be  united  with  the 
Susquehannah  and  the  Delaware  rivers,  and  of  course 
to  the  Delaware  and  Chesapeake  bays.  By  the 
Genesee  river,  an  internal  navigation  of  40  miles 
will  be  secured,  and  several  advantages  may  be  de- 
rived by  a  junction  with  the  Tonnawanta  creek. 

Pursuing  ^ur  course  further  west,  and  beyond  the 
borders  of  the  State  of  New-York,  we  approach  the 


VUl  INTRODUCTION, 

great  valley  of  the  Mississippi.  The  first  point  of 
communication  with  those  western  waters,  that 
pour  into  the  Mississippi  river,  is  at  the  sources 
of  the  Alleghany,  which  unites  with  the  Mononga- 
hela  at  Pittsburgh,  and  forms  the  Ohio.  About  six- 
teen miles  of  canal  would  join  the  Western  canal 
and  French  creek,  a  branch  of  the  Alleghany ;  and 
there  could  be  another  communication  through  Che- 
tough  lake.  By  these  improvements,  we  might  have 
a  direct  connexion  between  New- York  and  Pitts- 
burgh, the  grand  depot  of  the  western  states. 

Extending  our  views  beyond  the  head  waters  of  the 
Ohio,  at  Pittsburgh,  other  means  and  sources  of  con- 
nexion with  the  Western  canal  present  themselves 
The  first  junction  might  be  between  the  Cayahoga 
that  runs  into  lake  Erie,  and  the  Muskingum,  which 
passes  into  the  Ohio,  about    170  miles  below  Pitts- 
burgh.   Six  miles  of  canal  would  create  their  union. 
Further  west,  the  Sandusky  and  Sciota  rivers  could 
be  joined.    They  have  their  head  waters  in  the  same 
marsh  or  swamp ;  the  former  discharging  itself  into 
lake  Erie,  the  latter  into  the  Ohio   river,  below   the 
mouth    of    the    Muskingum.       Following  the   lake, 
shore,  we  soon  find  that  another  channel  of  internal 
trade  might  be  opened,  by  means  of  the  Miami  which 
swells  the  waters  of  the  Ohio,  and  the  Miami  of  lake 
Erie;  they   have  their  rise  on  the  same  level.     The 
sources  of  the  Maume  of   lake  Erie,  and  the  head 
waters  of  the  Wabasb,  a  noble  stream,  would  inter- 
mingle with  very  little  labour.     Between   lake  Erie 
and  lake  Michigan,  a  navigation  would  be  easy   and 
practicable,  by  uniting  the  Huron  or  Raisin  of  lake 
Erie,  with  streams  that  run  into  the  former  lake.  The 
St.  Joseph's  and  the  Raisin  are  contiguous   in  their 
head  waters.    Pursuing  our  course  to  the  southerly 


INTRODUCTION.  IX 

end,  or  head  of  lake  Michigan,  we  find  new  facili- 
ties to  internal  trade,  opening  upon  our  view.  There 
are  four  ways  of  connecting  this  lake,  and  of  course, 
the  Western  canal,  with  the  Illinois  river,  which 
pours  its  grand  current  into  the  bosom  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, a  few  miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  Missouri? 
near  the  scite  of  St.  Louis.  First,  it  could  be  effect- 
ed by  joining  a  branch  of  the  Chicago  river,  which 
empties  into  lake  Michigan,  and  a  branch  of  the 
river  Plein,  running  in  a  direction  from  the  north- 
west, which  approaches  within  ten  and  a  half  miles  of 
the  lake,  and  then  turning  to  the  south-west,  blends 
its  waters  with  the  Theakiki,  50  miles  from  the 
Illinois.  These  waters  approximate  within  two 
miles  of  each  other,  and  when  swelled  by  heavy 
falls  of  rain,  actually  unite,  so  that  boats  of  eight  and 
ten  tons  burden,  pass  and  repass  from  the  lakes  to 
the  Mississippi,  through  this  natural  route.  Second- 
ly, it  could  be  effected  by  opening  a  channel  from  a 
point  on  lake  Michigan,  south  of  the  Chicago,  to 
enter  the  plain  below  lake  Du  Page.  Thirdly,  by 
uniting  lake  Michigan  with  the  Theakiki,  above  its 
junction  with  the  Plein.  And  lastly,  by  joining  the 
Theakiki  and  the  St.  Joseph  of  the  lake,  by  which 
the  French  enjoyed  a  partial  navigation,  when  the 
Canadas  were  an  appendage  to  their  empire.  These 
several  facilities  have  been  recently  pointed  out,  in  a 
very  clear  and  interesting  report  to  the  secretary  of 
war.  After  recommending,  in  convincing  terms,  that 
the  national  government  immediately  unite  lake 
Michigan  and  Illinois,  by  some  of  the  above  routes, 
it  concludes  thus  :  "  To  conclude,  the  route  by  the 
Chicago,  as  followed  by  the  French,  since  the  dis- 
covery of  the  Illinois,  presents,  at  one  season  of  the 
year,  an  uninterrupted  water  communication  in  boats 

B 


X  INTRODUCTION. 

of  six  to  eight  to  ten  tons,  between  the  Mississippi 
and  the  Michigan  lake,  at  another  season,  a  portage 
of  two  miles ;  at  another,  a  portage  of  seven  miles 
from  the  head  of  the  Plein  to  the  arm  of  the  lake ; 
at  another,  a  portage  of  fifty  miles,  from  the  mouth 
of  the  Plein  to  the  lake,  over  which,  there  is  a  well- 
beaten  waggon  road,  and  boats  and  their  loads  are 
drawn  by  oxen  and  vehicles  kept  for  that  purpose,  by 
the  French  settlers  at  Chicago."*  Thus  we  perceive, 
that  after  the  great  Western  canal  is  completed,  the 
labour  that  would  not  cost  New-York  the  effort  of  a 
single  month,  would  open  a  driect,  safe,  and  cheap 
communication  between  our  commercial  emporium 
and  New-Orleans.  We  should  pursue  the  waters  of 
the  Hudson,  the  line  of  the  canal,  the  waters  of  lake 
Erie  to  the  mouth  of  the  Raisin  on  the  Huron,  and 
from  thence  into  lake  Michigan  by  the  St.  Joseph, 
or  some  other  stream  to  the  Chicago.,  and  through  the 
Plein  to  the  Illinois  and  the  Mississippi. 

But  we  have  neglected  to  mention  one  grand  work,~ 
a  work  worthy  of  the  patriotic,  enterprising  and  en- 
lightened state,  which  will,  we  trust,  ere  long  com- 
mence it ;  and  one,  which  will  cover  its  projectors 
and  patrons,  with  that  fame  and  honour  that  fall  to 
the  lot  of  great  and  liberal  minds,  when  toiling  in 
splendid  enterprises  for  the  happiness  of  common- 
wealths and  nations.  We  refer  to  the  Ohio  canal, 
which  is  to  connect  lake  Erie  with  the  Ohio  river. 
An  allusion  to  it  was  omitted  in  the  proper  geogra- 
phical place,  because  we  cherish  a  wish  to  dwell  on 
it  with  details  that  would  have  broken  the  rapid  view 
in  which   we  indulged.     The  Ohio  canal  will  only 


*  Vide  Report  of  Joseph  Phillips  and  Richard  Graham,  Esqs.  to 
the  Secretary  of  War. 


INTRODUCTION.  XI 

stand  second  to  our  own.  It  will  in  fact  be  the  second 
grand  Western  canal,  and  must  cause  the  lakes  and 
the  Atlantic  to  mingle  their  waters  in  a  southern  lati- 
tude. On  the  20th  of  January,  1820,  his  excellency 
Governor  Brown,  laid  before  the  general  assembly 
of  the  State  of  Ohio,  a  clear,  luminous,  and  convin- 
cing view  of  this  stupendous  work — an  extension  of 
the  Erie  canal  into  the  very  heart  of  the  western 
world.  Where  it  is  to  commence  and  terminate,  is 
not  yet  definitely  settled.  It  will  be  perceived  by  the 
message  referred  to,  that  several  very  eligible  routes 
offer  themselves,  and  that  no  country  can  be  more 
favourable  for  artificial  navigation  than  the  rich  and 
beautiful  region  between  lake  Erie  and  the  Ohio.  Its 
surface  is  so  level  on  the  dividing  line  of  the  waters 
which  pass  into  the  lake  on  one  hand,  and  the  river 
on  the  other,  that  the  inclination  seems  almost  insufiH- 
cie'nt  to  decide  their  course.  In  contemplation  of 
this  canal,  the  ground  has  been  examined,  and  its 
practicability  fully  ascertained  and  established.  Its 
length  will  be  200  miles,  and  its  expense  is  estimated 
at  ;g2,400,000.  The  following  calculation  has  been 
made  as  to  the  lockage :  from  lake  Erie  to  the  sum- 
mit-level, is  318  feet;  from  the  summit-level  to  the 
Ohio,  433  feet^  making  in  the  whole,  7.51  feet  * 

This  magnificent  undertaking,  which  is  to  carry  a 
canal  across  the  whole  State  of  Ohio,  is  suitable 
to  the  character  of  this  powerful  and  growing  mem- 
ber of  the  confederacy.  She  is  destined  to  sustain 
an  elevated  rank  in  the  union.  The  fertility  of  her 
soil,  the  enterprise  and  industry  of  her  people,  the 
healthy  temperature  of  her  climate,  the  great  waters 
that  wash  her  boundaries,  and  the  numerous  streams 


Vide  Appendix.     Mr.  Steel's  Letter. 


XJl  INTRODUCTION, 

which  traverse  her  interior,  and  the  intelligence  and 
talents  which  she  combines,  united  to  an  energetic  re- 
publican spirit,  mark  her  out  as  a  state  capable  of 
supporting  a  course  of  civil  policy,  equally  distin» 
g'uished  for  its  boldness,  wisdom,  and  success.  A  ca- 
nal of  200  miles  in  length,  may,  at  first  sight,appear  of 
a  magnitude  incompatible  with  a  state  so  young ;  but 
a  community  already  consisting  of  six  hundred  thotiT 
sand  people,  and  which,  in  a  few  years,  will  exhibit 
over  a  million,  of  a  cast  of  mind  and  of  a  physical 
vigour,  capable  of  founding,  rearing,  and  defending 
an  empire,  will  not  be  easily  baffled  in  a  design  cal- 
culated to  produce  vast  wealth  and  power,  and  give 
to  agriculture,  manufactures,  and  commerce,  a  sudden 
spring,  and  a  lasting  prosperity. 

The  State  of  Ohio  has  resources  adequate  to  open 
this  canal.  Suppose  that  all  other  fiscal  resorts  fail^ 
and  that  she  follows  the  example  of  New-York,  and 
pledges  her  faith  and  credit  for  loans :  two  considera- 
tions remove  any  thing  appalling  in  this  expedif.nt. 
The  money  would  be  expended  among  her  own  citi- 
zens, to  reward  their  labour  and  enterprise,  create  a 
home  market  for  no  inconsiderable  portion  of  her 
domestic  produce;  correct  the  vicious  character  of 
her  circulating  medium,  and  retain  in  the  state,  what 
might  be  borrowed  for  its  service.  The  only  money  that 
would  necessarily  travel  out,  would  be  the  interest, 
provided  creditors  were  sought  in  distant  sections  of 
the  nation.  In  the  second  place,  it  would  redeem 
itself  in  a  few  years,  by  the  tolls  from  the  im- 
mense trade  which  must  pass  through  it,  saying  no- 
thing of  the  millions  that  would  be  saved  by  a  reduc- 
tion in  the  price  of  transportation.  A  reference  to 
the  pecuniary  advantages  of  our  own  canal,  which 
we  shall  soon  adduce,  will  cast  some  light  on  this 


INTRODUCTION.  Xlll 

point.  Will  the  State  of  Ohio,  shrink  from  this  grand 
plan  so  ably  brought  forward  by  a  chief  magistrate, 
competent  to  lead  the  wny  in  its  vigorous  and  suc- 
cessful execution?  Let  her  remember  what  New- 
York  has  already  accomplished,  and  the  obstacles 
that  are  rapidly  falling  before  her.  Let  her  re- 
collect the  early  difficulties  that  frowned  upon  her  la- 
bours, and  the  strong  and  invincible  arm  which  swept 
them  aside,  and  then  fix  her  eyes  upon  her  own  re- 
sources. We  shall  conclude  this  subject  in  the  words 
of  Governor  Brown.  "It  would  too  far  transcend 
the  limits  of  the  inquiry  addressed  to  me,  by  the 
house  of  representatives,  to  attempt  an  exposition  of 
instances  in  which  the  prosperity  of  the  state  would 
be  advanced,  by  persevering,  with  a  steady  eye,  to 
this  grand  branch  of  political  economy.  I  cannot 
expect  that  they  would  fail  to  be  sufficiently  per- 
ceived and  admitted  ;  nor  can  I  presume  it  necessary 
to  appeal  to  your  feelings  of  duty  and  patriotism,  by 
presenting  in  alluring  colours  the  prospect  of  a  ra- 
pid increase,  of  the  grandeur  and  prosperity  of  the 
State  of  Ohio,  that  would  be  derived  from  the  adop- 
tion and  pursuit  of  a  policy,  for  which  such  grand  re- 
sources seem  to  be  placed  within  your  reach."* 

Let  the  statesmen  of  any  nation  on  the  globe,  be- 
hold this  picture.  No  matter  whether  he  has  con- 
templated the  capital  and  enterprise  of  England,  the 
patient  industry  of  Holland,  the  genius  and  intrinsic 
strength  of  France,  or  the  extended  face  of  the 
Russian  empire  ;  he  must  admit  that  the  beneficent 
hand  of  the  Creator  has  never  spread  out  a  country 
with  grander  characteristics,  or  with  greater  facili- 


*  Governor  Brown's  Message,  Jan.  20,  1820. 


XIV  Introduction. 

ties  to  trade  and  inland  exchange,  than  the  one  whose 
destinies  are  embraced  in  the  range  of  views,  in  which 
we  have  indulged — a  country  capable  of  sustaining 
a  population  of  a  hundred  millions. 

The  future  advantages  of  the  New-York  canals 
will  now  fall  under  consideration.  We  will  com- 
mence by  turning  our  attention  to  the  Western  canal, 
and  first  enumerate  its  probable  benefits  to  the  State 
of  New-York;  secondly,  its  commercial  advantages 
to  the  nation ;  and  thirdly,  its  importance  to  the  fu- 
ture security  of  the  American  union. 

The  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  Western 
canal  to  the  State  of  New-York,  may  be  considered 
in  a  twofold  view.  First,  we  will  attempt  their  enu- 
meration upon  the  supposition  that  no  canals  are  to 
be  made,  to  extend  the  benefits  of  the  Western  canal, 
and  to  be  connected  with  it,  beyond  the  boundaries 
of  our  own  state ;  and  secondly  we  will  make  some 
remarks  in  reference  to  its  connection  with  the  Ohio 
canal,  and  the  canal  which  might  be  opened  between 
lake  Michigan  and  the  Mississippi  through  the  Illinois. 

Debt  and  credit  constitute  the  first  and  most  ordi- 
nary standard  by  which  all  great  experiments  are 
tested.  They  are  the  most  simple  and  the  most  tan- 
gible. We  will,  therefore,  as  a  primary  step,  make  an 
estimate  of  the  revenue  to  be  annnully  received  into 
our  state  treasury  from  the  Erie  canal.  Some  years 
ago  it  was  calculated  that  1 ,000,000  of  tons  were  an- 
nually transported  between  New- York  and  Albany, 
including  the  passage  each  way.  Upon  a  reference  to 
the  Custom-house  books  of  the  New- York  district,  it 
appears  that  2000  vessels  are  employed  in  the  North 
River  trade.  Say  each  vessel  carries  forty-five  tons 
as  an  average  ratio,  and  we  then  have  a  transporta- 
tion of  90,000  tons  at  every  passage  which  they  per- 


mTRODUCTION*.  XV 

form.  If  a  vessel,  as  a  general  rule,  makes  a  passage 
to  and  from  New-York  in  fourteen  days,  for  seven 
months  in  the  year,  we  should  find  an  annual  trans- 
portation of  1,260,000  tons  between  these  two  cities. 
Admit  the  Erie  canal  to  be  finished,  and  this  trade 
between  New-York  and  Albany,  to  be  between  New- 
York  and  Buffalo;  what  would  be  the  annual  reve- 
nue derived  from  the  State  by  the  Erie  canal  ?  Its 
length  is  to  be  353  miles ;  the  transportation,  accord- 
ing  to  the  data  of  the  canal  commissioners,  is  to  be 
$S  53  per  ton;  the  toll  $5,  and  the  actual  expenses 
of  conveyance  $3  53.  The  toll  then,  on  1,260,000 
tons  would  give  an  annual  revenue  of  $6,300,000, 
nearly  $2,000,000  more  than  the  whole  expenses  of 
the  canal.  But  we  will  renounce  this  estimate  as  far 
too  high.  We  indeed  know  that  many  of  the  2000 
vessels  taken  into  our  estimate,  do  not  navigate  the 
whole  distance  between  New- York  and  Albany,  they 
navigate  between  New-York  and  intermediate  points. 
Letiis  relinquish  260,000  tons,  and  say  that  1,000,000 
pass  between  New-York  and  Albany,  and  suppose 
this  to  pass  between  New- York  and  Buffalo ;  a  toll 
of  $5  per  ton,  would  give  us  an  annual  revenue  of 
$5,000,000.  But  rejecting  this  as  extravagant,  and 
taking  half  the  number  of  tons,  then  we  derive  a  re-^ 
venue  of  $2,500,000  annually.  Deducting  all  contin- 
gent expenses,  and  all  the  disbursements  for  repairs, 
and  there  would  be  a  yearly  income  of  $2,000,000. 
We  will  assume  another  data,  to  which  we  think  n© 
mind,  however  timid,  can  refuse  assent.  Let  us  ad- 
mit the  number  of  tons  freighted  between  New-York 
and  Albany  to  be  450,000  tons.  It  was  this  aggre- 
gate ten  or  fifteen  years  ago.  Extending  this  trade 
between  New-York  and  Buffalo,  and  the  state  revenue 
fi-omlhe  Western  canal  would  be  $2,250,000  annual- 


XVI  INTRODUCTION. 

ly ;  more  than  three  times  as  much  as  it  takes  to  sus- 
tain the  whole  civil  lists  of  the  twenty-one  united 
states.  Half  the  trade  that  passed  through  the  Hud- 
son mixny  years  since  would  give  p, 125,000  annually? 
and  thus  the  canal  would  pay  for  itself  in  less  than 
five  years,  after  deducting  all  incidental  expenses  for 
repairs  and  other  charges.  But  when  the  destinies 
of  the  western  country  are  duly  considered,  and  the 
internal  fertility  and  riches  of  our  own  state  are  duly 
appreciated,  it  is  no  visionary  calculation  to  say  that 
1,000,000  of  tons  will  pass  through  the  Western  canal, 
in  the  course  of  a  few  years.  We  must  consider  the 
export  as  well  as  the  import  trade.  The  exports 
will  always  exceed  the  imports,  since  the  produce 
of  the  country  beyond  Albany,  will  consist  of 
heavy  articles.  The  salt  and  gypsum,  however,  with 
which  we  shall  in  a  great  measure  supply  the  valley 
of  the  Mississippi,  above  the  falls  of  Louisville,  will 
prove  a  considerable  qualification  to  this  position. 
Let  us  say  that  700,000  tons  at  a  future  day  will  pass 
from  Buffalo  to  Albany,  and  300,000  from  Albany  to 
Buffalo  ;  leaving  out  of  view  the  great  quantities  of 
produce  and  merchandise  that  will  be  landed  along 
the  banks  of  the  canal,  and  pass  off  on  the  great  roads 
or  lateral  canals  connected  with  it  in  the  state  of  New- 
York,  and  then  we  have  the  transportation  of  1,000,000 
of  tons,  and  a  revenue  of  g;  1,000,000  annually. 
And  it  will  be  clearly  demonstrated,  as  we  trust  and 
hope,  before  this  article  closes,  that  the  city  of  New- 
York  must  command  the  trade  of  all  that  vast  portion 
of  country  that  lies  along  the  borders  of,  lakes  Erie, 
Michigan,  Huron,  Superior,  and  the  trade  of  the  val- 
ley of  the  Mississippi  as  far  south  as  the  falls  of  the 
Ohio. 

But  let  us  take  another  position,  and  admit  that  a 


INTRODUCTION.  XVll 

million  of  tons  be  annually  transported  in  the  West- 
ern canal,  each  way,  but  a  portion  of  the  distance, 
180  miles,  at  a  cent  per  ton  per  mile,  which  would 
fall  below  the  rate  of  toll  fixed  by  the  canal  commis- 
sioners ;  here  would  be  a  state  revenue  of  $  1,800,000. 
Deducting  $300,000 for  repairs,  agents,  overseers  and 
other  contingencies,  and  $1,500,000  would  remain. 
In  assuming  these  data,  a  respect  is  cherished  for  the 
incredulity  of  popular  opinion.  We  are  aware  that 
many  will  denounce  them  as  fictitious  and  fanciful ; 
but  there  are  many  existing  circumstances,  which 
even  with  the  most  skeptical  will  justify  our  esti- 
mates. The  great  difficulty  is,  we  cannot  fully  ap- 
preciate the  extent  and  value  of  that  transporta- 
tion which  must  take  place  between  the  Atlan- 
tic seaboard,  through  the  Hudson  and  the  Western 
canal,  and  the  wide  ranges  of  western  population ; 
but  we  must  recollect,  that  in  1818,  not  less  than 
$  1 8,2.50,000  worth  of  merchandise  was  transported 
in  waggons  from  Philadelphia  to  Pittsburgh;  and 
that  the  expense  of  conveyance  was  $750,000.  Du- 
ring the  years  1817, 1818,  and  1819,  the  expenses  of 
transportation  to  Pittsburgh,  amounted  to  $1,560,000 
each  year ;  making  $4,680,000  for  the  transportation 
of  merchandise,  distributed  from  a  single  depot  in  the 
western  country  in  three  years.  This  was  land  trans- 
portation, and  therefore  very  expensive  ;  yet  when 
we  consider,  that  in  twenty  years  the  population  of 
the  western  country  will  be  nearly  threefold,  and 
that  we  do  not  here  take  into  consideration  the  pro- 
duce sent  to  the  seaboard  from  the  western  interior, 
which  is  as  ten  to  one  in  weight,  our  calculation  of 
1,000,000  of  tons  passing  annually  through  the  West- 
ern canal  loses  its  aspect  of  fiction  and  romance. 
We  must  remember,  that  when  our  canals  are  com- 

C 


XVlll  INTRODUCTION, 

pleted,  land  transportation  to  the  western  regions, 
will  almost  totally  cease,  and  then  our  artificial 
channel  of  commerce  will  be  the  grand  thorough- 
fare. A  few  simple  facts  will  fully  corroborate  this 
assertion. 

Pittsburgh  is  the  first  great  depot  for  the  western 
country,  as  we  pass  from  the  northern  and  middle 
states,  west.  We  have  seen,  that  during  three  years, 
the  transportation  of  merchandise  to  this  place, 
amounted  to  nearly  ^5,000, 000.  The  former  rate  of 
transportation  across  the  mountains,  was  $120,  but 
from  improvement  in  the  roads  and  other  causes,  it 
may  be  set  down  at  the  present  time,  at  $70  per  ton. 
By  way  of  the  Western  canal,  we  may  consider  the 
average  expense  of  transportation  from  New- York  to 
Pittsburgh,  by  the  village  of  Erie,  and  the  head  wa- 
ters of  the  Ohio,  at  $35  per  ton.  With  a  good  road 
from  lake  Erie  to  Pittsburgh,  it  would  be  reduced  to 
^28 ;  by  the  first  method  of  conveyance,  making  a 
saving  of  ^245,000  in  ten  thousand  tons,  and  by  the 
latter,  $336,000  in  the  same  quantity.  The  effect  of 
such  a  disparity  in  the  course  of  trade,  requires  no 
illustration  :  New-York  would  take  the  place  of  Phi- 
ladelphia and  Baltimore  as  a  source  of  supply. 

We  will  now  take  several  local  points,  where  trade 
and  exchange  will  centre  in  the  western  country,  and 
show  the  great  revolution  which  the  Western  canal 
will  create  in  the  rate  of  transportation. 

There  is  a  portion  of  the  state  of  Pennsylvania 
west  of  the  Alleghany  mountains,  and  north  of  Pitts- 
burgh, comprising  about  8000  square  miles,  which 
now  receives  its  supplies  of  merchandise,  from  Phila- 
delphia and  Baltimore,  through  Pittsburgh.  The 
Western  canal  would  create  a  difference  of  at  least 
$62  per  ton,  in  goods  transported  to  this  section  of 
country. 


INTRODUCTION.  Xix 

There  is  another  tract  of  country  in  the  north-east 
part  of  the  state  of  Ohio,  including  about  8000  square 
miles.  The  average  rate  of  transportation  may  be 
estimated  at  ^90  per  ton  to  this  region,  at  present. 
By  waj  of  the  western  canal  it  will  be  $20,  making  a 
difference  of  ^70  in  each  ton. 

Taking  a  country  comprising  about  8000  square 
miles,  extending  within  40  miles  of  the  Ohio  river,  its 
average  expenses  of  conveyance  may  be  put  at  $93 
per  ton.  Considering  Sandusky  as  the  place  of  depot 
for  this  section  of  territory,  and  including  the  charges 
of  land  carriage  from  Sandusky  to  the  various  places 
of  consumption,  and  the  canal  would  produce  a  sav- 
ing  of  at  least  $i2  on  a  ton ;  and  even  taking  the  coun- 
try along  the  shores  of  the  Ohio,  or  contiguous  to  it, 
and  taking  into  view  a  land  transportation  from  lake 
Erie  to  any  position  within  the  limits  of  this  section, 
and  the  saving  would  not  materially  differ  from  ^30 
per  ton. 

The  north-east  part  of  the  state  of  Ohio,  embraces 
about  16,000  square  miles.  This  region  will  soon 
contain  a  dense  population.  Conveyance  of  mer- 
chandise to  the  central  parts  of  this  section,  by  way 
of  Pittsburgh,  may  be  calculated  at  ^1 14  per  ton.  On 
the  completion  of  the  Western  canal,  Sandusky  may 
be  rendered  the  place  of  mercantile  deposit,  and  the 
rate  of  transportation  be  lowered  to  ^24  creating  a 
difference  of  ^90  per  ton.  These  calculations  made 
on  the  different  places  here  enumerated,  will  apply 
in  a  greater  or  less  degree,  to  those  parts  of  Ken- 
tucky and  Virginia,  whose  population  resort  to  the 
Ohio  river,  as  a  medium  of  conveyance. 

Passing  into  the  state  of  Illinois,  we  shall  find  the 
results  of  the  Western  canal  still  more  palpable  and 
surprising.    If  Fort  Harrison  be  considered  a  depot. 


XX  INTRODUCTION. 

we  may  estimate  the  rate  of  transportation  for  this 
section  of  country,  at  gl30  per  ton,  by  way  of  the 
Ohio  river,  from  Philadelphia,  or  by  the  same  route 
from  New-Orleans.  On  the  completion  of  the  canal, 
and  the  construction  of  a  road  from  the  southern  ex- 
tremity of  lake  Michigan^  a  dilFerence  of  $50  or  $60 
per  ton  will  be  effected  in  the  expenses  of  convey, 
ance.  But  as  a  considerable  part  of  the  state  of  In- 
diana lies  nearer  the  lakes  than  the  section  that  would 
be  supplied  from  fort  Harrison,  the  average  diffe- 
rence would  be  still  greater.* 

The  fertile  state  of  Illinois  will  be. still  more  direct- 
ly affected  in  her  trade  and  supplies  by  the  Western 
canal,  than  any  other  region  of  country  already  men- 
tioned; and  the  commercial  relations  which  must 
exist  between  IN  ew-York  and  St.  Louis,  will  be  here- 
after alluded  to. 

Under  these  considerations,  it  seems  difficult  to 
diminish  the  magnitude  which  we  have  attached 
to  the  trade  that  must  pass  through  the  Western  ca- 
nal— the  revenue  which  we  have  supposed  it  will 
produce, — or  the  accuracy  of  our  calculations,  as  to 
the  changes  that  will  be  wrought  in  the  sources  of 
mercantile  supply  and  exchange  to  Ohio,  part  of 
Kentucky,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Missouri,  and  the  whole 
territory  around  the  lakes.  In  addition  to  the  mer- 
chandise that  must  be  conveyed  into  the  western 
states,  our  salt,  gypsum,  and  hydraulic  cement,  will 
command  an  extensive  sale.  These  articles  are  heavy, 
and  will  make  an  important  addition  to  our  revenue. 
But  we  have  only  here  spoken  of  the  trade  from  east 
to  west.  Through  what  channels  are  the  agricul- 
tural products, and  raw  materials  for  manufactures,  of 

*  Vide  Mr.  Bowen's  Letter  in  the  Appendix. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXl 

these  wide-spread  oad  fertile  dominions  to  be  trans- 
ported ?  They  must  find  their  way  to  the  ocean,  after 
domestic  consumption  is  supphed.    But  three  outlets 
present  themselves, — the  St.  Lawrence,the  Mississip- 
pi and  the  Hudson.  The  St.  Lawrence  will  not  he  able 
to  maintain  anything  like  a  competition  with  the  Hud- 
son and    the   Mississippi:    this   export  trade  must 
therefore  be  divided  between  New-Orleans  and  New- 
York,     The  states  of  the  west  will  necessarily  seek 
that  trade  which  is  founded   on  reciprocity;  and  if 
New-York  is  the  importing  emporium,  she  will  natu- 
rally prove  the  mart  that  must  command  the  exports. 
The  western  traders  and  agriculturists  will  not  be  in- 
clined to  transport  their  wheat,  flour,  corn,  butter, 
cheese,  beef,  pork,  pot  and  pearl  ashes,  hemp,  flax 
and  wool,  to  New-Orleans,   and  look  to   New-York 
for  their  merchandise.     Besides,  New-York  with  the 
Hudson  and  Western  canal,  with  her  superior   capi= 
tal,  her  healthy  climate,  her  extensive  shipping  inte= 
rest,  and  her  constant  intercourse    and  correspon- 
dence with  the  whole   commercial  world,  will  ever 
offer  a  superior  market  to  any  other  place   on   the 
American  continent.     Have  we  not  a  right  then,  to 
infer,  that  a  trade  beyond  the  grasp  of  present  calcu- 
lation, wdll  pass  through  the  grand  Western  canal, 
and  afford  a  revenue  to  the  state  of  New- York  that 
must  prove  an   inexhaustible  source  of  wealth  and 
power  .^^      Is   iae  transit  duty  on   1,000,000  of  tons 
a  wild  and  chimerical  estimate  ?   Let  those  who  an. 
swer  in  the  affirmative,  recall  the  days  to  their  memo- 
ry, when  the  Western  canal  itself  was  denounced  as 
the  temporary  auxiliary  of  ambition,  as  the  captivat- 
ing vision  of  romance  and  folly. 

The  second   source  of  advantage   to  the  state  of 
New- York,  from  this  canal,  is  of  a  c^ifTerent  descrip- 


# 


XXll  INTRODUCTION. 

tion,  but  of  still  more  importance  than  the  revenue 
which  has  been  pointed  out — we  mean  the  saving  of 
expense  in  transportation.  It  is  laid  down  by  a  judi- 
cious writer  on  inland  navigation,*  that  one  horse  by 
means  of  a  canal,  will  perform  the  labour  of  thirty 
horses  by  land,  and  that  one  man,  by  this  method  of 
conveyance,  can  do  more  work  than  three  men  and 
eighteen  horses,  in  transporting  by  land.  On  the 
turnpike  roads,  four  and  sometimes  five  horses  are 
requisite  to  transport  three  tons  ;  on  the  Western  ca- 
nal, one  horse  can  draw  25  tons,  and  thus  perform  the 
work  of  40  horses.  New- York  will  ever  be  one  of 
the  first  agricultural  states.  Independent  of  her 
common  agricultural  resources,  her  salt,  gypsum, 
lime-cernent,  and  iron,  will  create  a  great  and  expen- 
sive  transportation.  The  price  for  conveying  a  ton 
from  Albany  to  Buffalo,  will  now  average  from  ^85  to 
100.  The  canal  commissioners  in  their  early  reports, 
allowed  ^100.  Ninety  dollars  per  ton,  would  be  a 
fair  general  estimate.  By  the  canal,  a  ton  can  be 
transported  from  Albany  to  Buffalo,  for  $8  53, 
making  a  clear  gain  of  ;^  8 1  47  on  each  ton.  Tak- 
ing a  point  on  any  part  of  the  canal-line,  and  this 
proportion  will  bear.  If  instead  of  transporting  pro- 
duce and  merchandise,  the  whole  distance  between 
Albany  and  Buffalo,  they  are  transported  but  half  the 
distance,  the  gain  is  over  ^40  per  ton.  We  have  re- 
cently examined  an  interesting  and  convincing  report 
on  the  subject  of  a  communication,  between  Canan- 
daigua  lake  and  the  canal-line,  by  which  the  diffe- 
rence between  land  and  water  carriage  is  powerfully 
elucidated.  This  report  presents  the  calculation, 
that  a  ton  could  be  carried  the  whole  length  of  the 


Philips  in  his  History  of  Inland  Navigation. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXlll 

lateral  canal  for  sixty  cents,  whereas,  by  land,  it  costs 
%2  60.  The  lateral  canal  itself  will  cost  ^60,000.  It 
is  expected,  that  18,000  tons  will  be  conveyed 
through  it  annually,  and  the  annual  saving  in  the  cost 
of  transportation  will  amount  to  more  than  $30,000, — 
a  strong  and  striking  fact  to  illustrate  the  advantages 
of  our  larger  works.  If  we  should  carry  on  the 
Western  and  Northern  canals,  an  aggregate  quantity 
equal  to  300,000  tons  from  Albany  to  Buffalo,  the 
yearly  difference  in  the  expenses  of  land  and  water 
conveyance,  would  be  g24,44 1,000;  on  500,000  tons, 
it  would  be  $40,735,000;  on  one  million  of  tons,  it 
would  be  ^81,470,000.  On  the  transportation  of  one 
hundred  thousand  tons  alone,  between  Albany  and 
Buffalo,  it  would  be  ^8,100,000.  Should  we  take 
the  calculation  of  the  canal  commissioners,  and 
say  that  ^91  47  will  be  saved  on  each  ton  carried 
the  whole  way  between  Albany  and  Buffalo,  then 
the  saving  annually,  allowing  a  million  of  tons  to  be 
transported,  would  be  $95,470,000.  The  advanta- 
ges here  adduced,  would  affect  the  country  west  of 
Buffalo,  and  at  a  distance  from  the  lake  shore,  still 
more  materially,  because  they  are  compelled  to  pass 
over  the  whole  distance  of  the  Western  canal  by  land, 
at  the  present  moment,  and  pay  more  for  land  freight- 
age. Thus  do  internal  improvements,  like  our  own 
canals,  not  only  prevent  great  delays  and  uncertain- 
ties in  the  carrying  of  produce  and  merchandise,  but 
convert  a  great  capital,  employed  inland  transpor- 
tation, to  other  productive  purposes.  The  labour  of 
men  and  horses,  the  money  invested  in  waggons  and 
horses,  the  sums  paid  for  the  subsistence  of  men  and 
horses,  the  charges  incurred  in  repairing  vehicles  of 
conveyance,  and  other  necessary  objects,  are  trans- 
ferred to  other  ends,  and  go  to  increase  the  pro- 
ductive industry  of  the  whole  community. 


'  XXIV  INTRODUCTION. 

There  are  two  other  views  that  occur  here.  That 
the  Ohio  canal,  which  is  to  connect  lake  Erie  with 
the  Ohio  river  will  be  ere  long  commenced  and 
completed,  cannot  be  doubted  when  we  consider  the 
resources  that  can  be  applied  to  the  undertaking. 
Admit  this  work  to  be  finished,  what  results  will  it  pro- 
duce to  the  state  of  New-York  ?  It  will  produce 
a  diversion  of  an  immense  trade  from  New-Or- 
leans to  the  mouth  of  the  Hudson.  No  reflect- 
ing writer,  and  liberal  minded  statesman,  can  wish 
to  realize  the  gratification  of  his  local  partiali- 
ties, to  the  detriment  of  any  section  of  our  common 
country.  Our  union  is  safety,  peace,  arid  gloryl  What- 
ever views  of  state  aggrandizement  maybe  cherished, 
let  us  adopt  the  words  of  the  ancient  civilian,  de  sacris 
autem  hac  sit  una  sententia^  ut  conserventur.  Yet,  where 
bold  and  majestic  discriminations  have  been  drawn 
by  the  hand  of  nature,  and  where  it  is  from  the  force 
of  physical  as  well  as  moral  necessity,  that  mighty 
changes  should  be  wrought,  by  the  application  of  en- 
terprise, foresight,  and  capital,  no  charge  of  impro- 
priety can  be  incurred,  by  dwelling  on  their  tenden- 
cy, or  anticipating  their  effects.  Not  only  would  the 
Ohio  canal  give  us  the  trade  of  the  state  of  Ohio,  but 
half  the  products  of  the  rich  and  fertile  state  of  Ken- 
tucky would  be  sent  to  market  through  the  Hudson, 
and  supplies  of  merchandise  be  obtained  in   return. 

The  importance  of  such  a  commerce  can  be  in 
some  degree  appreciated,  when  we  remember  the  to- 
bacco, the  flour,  the  hemp,  and  other  articles  of  export 
from  the  latter  state.  In  1818  it  was  supposed  that 
the  single  article  of  tobacco  amounted  to  25,000 
hogsheads;  and  in  1819,  it  was  calculated  that  be- 
tween 40,000  and  50,000  tons  of  produce  passed  the 
falls  of  Louisville  for  New-Orleans.     Had  the  Ohio 


INTRODUCTION.  xU 

and  New-York  canals  been  completed,  and  the  inte- 
rest of  the  exporters  been  consulted,  the  whole  o^ 
this  produce  would  have  passed  to  the  city  of  New- 
York  with  a  saving  to  the  owners  of  between  $300,000, 
or  ^400,000.  But  as  this  position  may  be  rejected 
as  fallacious,  we  will  adduce  the  following  calcula- 
tions, which  have  been  once  adopted  by  the  public 
journals  and  gazettes  of  the  west,  to  contrast  the  fre- 
quent results  of  conveyance  to  New-York  and  to 
New-Orleans. 

To  New- York.  Time.         Freight  per  ton 

From  the  Ohio  river     10  days  $6  65 

Lake  Erie  to  Buffalo  1  4  00 

Buffalo  to  Albany      15  12  06 

Albany  to  New-York  2.  4  00 

Time  in  loading  and 

unloading,  &c.         7  4  00 

days  35  $26  65 

To  New-Orleans.  Time  Freight  per  ton 

Voyage  down  the  Ohio 

and  Mississippi,  25  ^15  00 

Delay  at  New-Orleans,       7 
Voyage  to  an  eastern  port 

or  to  the  West  Indes     28  20  00 


days  60  $Vo  00 

Here  is  a  difference  of  seven  dollars  per  ton,  be- 
sides the  loss  of  twenty -five  days,  and  the  sacrifice  of 
the  interest  on  the  capital  invested  in  the  transporta- 
tion, in  the  shape  of  produce,  which  may  be  rated  at 
what  it  ultimately  gives  the  owner  on  its  final  sale. 
The  above  result  in  favour  of  New-York,  rests  upon 
these  reasons:  corn,  flour,  pork,  tobacco,  and  seve» 
ral  other  products,  of  the  western  country,  above  the 

D 


XXVi  INTRODUCTION. 

falls  at  Louisville,  which  now  reach  New-Orleans,pay 
as  much  for  transportation  as  they  are  intrinsically 
worth  when  embarked  upon  the  Ohio,  for  the  place  of 
destination.  The  capital  of  New-Orleans  is  dispro- 
portionate to  the  quantity  of  produce  landed  there. 
The  consumption  of  the  place  is  trifling,  and  the  ton- 
nage will  not  compare  with  that  of  New-York,  which 
in  this  respect,  stands  alone  second  to  London,  among 
the  commercial  cities  of  the  globe.  The  markets  of 
New-Orleans  are  fluctuating,  and  the  humidity  of  the 
place,  often  proves  severally  detrimental  to  the 
produce  which  is  stored.  From  the  diseases  of  the 
climate,  capitalists  who  are  able  to  transact  business 
in  large  commercial  places,  are  not  inclined  to  estab- 
lish themselves  in  this  city.  Hence  many  of  the  most 
enterprising  merchants  go  there  to  create  fortunes, 
and  have  not  adequate  means  to  be  punctual  and 
maintain  that  credit  which  is  found  in  old  mercan- 
tile cities.  When  a  cargo  descends  the  western 
rivers  to  New-Orleans,  it  is  either  sold,  stored,  or 
freighted.  If  vended,  the  character  and  profits  of  the 
sale  depend  on  the  state  of  the  market,  whose  de- 
mands are  limited  and  uncertain,  when  compared 
with  those  of  New- York,  from  the  disparity  in  capital, 
exports,  consumption,  and  the  opportunities  of  know- 
ing the  state  of  foreign  markets.  If  stored,  we  have 
noticed  the  exposure  to  which  it  is  liable.  Its  being 
freighted  depends  on  the  number  of  vessels  in  port, 
which  is  often  incompetent  to  the  requisitions  of  the 
exporter.  Cargoes  are  frequently  exported  coastwise 
from  New-Orleans  to  some  part  on  our  eastern  sea- 
board, and  then  re-exported  to  foreign  countries, 
after  the  delays,  hazards,  and  expenses  of  a  coast- 
wise voyage,  the  expenses  and  delay  of  unloading 
and  re-loading,  and  the  charges  of  storage.    It  is 


INTRODUCTION.  XXVH 

scarcely  here  necessary  to  contrast  the  harbours  of 
New- York,  and  her  southern  rival.  The  reasons  now 
adduced,  would  be  submitted  with  more  delicacy 
had  they  not  been  sanctioned  by  one  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished statesman  of  the  western  states.  Should 
the  produce  which  now  passes  the  falls  of  the  Ohio, 
ever  find  a  market  in  New- York,  consequences  of 
great  magnitude  must  be  realized  by  our  own  state, 
as  well  as  those  interested  in  the  branch  of  trade 
which  we  would  secure.  In  100,000  tons  the  diffe- 
rence in  transportation  cret^ted  by  the  Western  and  * 
Ohio  canals,  at  seven  dollars  per  ton,  would  be 
$700,000.  If  200,000  tons  should  be  diverted  from 
the  falls  of  the  Ohio  to  the  river  Hudson,  g;  1,400,000 
would  be  saved  by  the  agriculturists  and  planters  of 
Kentucky  and  Ohio.  We  would  qualify  our  remarks 
on  this  part  of  the  subject  by  expressing  a  convic- 
tion that  New-Orleans  is  destined  to  be  one  of  the 
greatest  commercial  cities  of  this  or  any  other  coun= 
try.  She  commands  a  greatest  interior — she  is  the 
natural  key  to  the  richest  and  most  extensive  inland 
region  of  any  mercantile  capital  in  the  world :  and 
yet  we  apprehend,  that  she  cannot  sustain  a  parallel 
with  New- York  when  physical  and  moral  advantages 
are  candidly  weighed  and  contrasted. 

The  contemplated  canal  between  lake  Michigan 
and  the  head  waters  of  the  Illinois  river,  would  create 
another  powerful  current  of  trade  towards  the  state 
of  New-York,  which  now  passes  down  the  Mississip- 
pi. All  the  remarks  relating  to  the  different  advan- 
tages of  New-York,  and  New-Orleans,  will  apply  as 
well  to  the  territory  on  the  borders  of  the  Missouri 
river,  as  to  that  above  the  falls  of  Louisville  provided 
the  transportation  from  St.  Louis  to  New- York  should 
be  cheaper  than  the  conveyance  from  St.  Louis  to 
New-Orleans.     On  the  opening  of  the  Western  canal, 


XXVlll  INTRODUCTION. 

and  a  communication  with  the  Mississippi,  through 
the  lakes,  it  will  he  cheaper  for  the  people  of  Mis- 
souri to  resort  to  New- York  than  to  New-Orleans, 
notwithstanding  the  employment  of  steam-hoats  in 
the  trade  with  the  latter.  The  return  voyage  must 
always  he  long,  tedious  and  expensive,  and  require  a 
large  investment  of  capital,  the  interest  of  which,must 
be  added  to  the  rate  of  expenses  in  transporting  pro- 
duce and  merchandise.  The  voyages  up  the  whole 
length  of  the  Mississippi,  with  any  thing  but  steam- 
boats, must  be  attended  with  a  delay  and  with  dis- 
bursements discouraging  to  the  prosperity  of  the 
western  trade ;  and  even  with  steam-boats,  formidable 
draw-backs  on  profit  will  ever  present  themselves. 
One  fact  deserves  to  be  mentioned  here :  since  the 
establishment  of  steam-boat  lines  on  the  Mississippi, 
large  quantities  of  merchandise  have  constantly 
passed  through  Pittsburgh  to  St.  Louis.  In  1820,  no 
loss  than  1500  tons  were  sent  to  the  country  beyond 
the  Mississippi  through  these  towns — a  circumstance 
that  shows  if  the  Western  canal  was  finished,  and  the 
Illinois  and  the  lakes  united,  New-York  would  sustain 
a  direct  trade  with  the  Missouri  in  preference  to  New- 
Orleans.  The  lead  mines  of  Missouri  would  then 
become  ten  times  more  important  than  they  are  at 
present,  although  3,000,000  of  pounds  are  now  manu- 
factured and  distributed  into  various  quarters  of  the 
union,  by  way  of  New-Orleans. 

We  will  now  return  to  the  state  of  New-York  and 
take  a  view  of  the  effect  of  the  Western  canal  upon 
her  own  intrinsic  resources. 

But  few  countries  of  the  same  extent,  excel  this 
state  in  the  richness,  extent,  and  variety  of  internal 
resources.  Her  local  position  is  grand  and  com- 
manding. On  one  side  the  ocean  washes  her  coast, 
<©»  the  other?  her  frontiers  are  embraced  by  the  great 


INTRODUCTION.  XXIX 

lakes.  Her  climate  is  healthy,  her  soil  is  fertile, 
her  mineral  treasures  are  nuinerous  and  valuable ; 
her  products,  from  her  contiguity  to  the  ocean,  will 
ever  command  a  ready  and  profitable  market,  and 
her  people  are  industrious,  enterprising,  and  capable 
of  converting  every  natural  advantage  to  the  most 
profitable  purposes.  The  Western  canal  will  imme- 
diately augmeut  the  profits  of  her  agricultural  la- 
bour. Why  IS  an  acre  of  land  in  the  vicinity  of 
London^  worth  more  than  an  acre  of  land  of  equal 
fertility  in  the  county  of  Cornwall  ?  It  is  intrinsically 
Tvorth  no  more;  artificial  causes  have  created  the  dif- 
ference. All  that  is  obtained  from  one  is  immediately 
converted  to  cash;  all  that  is  acquired  from  the 
other,  is  sold  subject  to  a  deduction  of  all  the  ex- 
penses of  transportation  from  Cornwall  to  the  British 
metropolis.  Why  is  a  bushel  of  grain  worth  more 
in  New- York  than  in  Illinois?  It  is  neither  better  in 
flavour  or  quality  of  any  kind;  but  the  former  is 
covered  with  many  heavy  charges  before  it  is  placed 
by  the  side  of  the  quantity  already  in  the  market.  In 
proportion,  therefore,  as  the  Western  canal  places 
our  farms  nearer  the  grand  market  to  which  the  cul- 
tivators of  the  soil  send  their  productions ;  in  propor- 
tion as  all  expenses,  and  of  course  all  drawbacks 
upon  agricultural  profit  are  diminished,  its  interests 
are  directly  cherished,  A  ton  of  flour  in  the  county 
of  Niagara,  will  be  worth  ^81  47  more  to  the  owner, 
when  the  canal  is  finished  than  it  is  now,  because  the 
expenses  of  conveying  it  to  market  will  be  diminish- 
ed to  that  extent.  There  will  ever  be  a  standard  value 
of  agricultural  products  in  market; — -that  is,  the  com- 
modities brought  from  St.  Louis  will  command  the 
same  price  as  those  that  are  brought  from  Ontario 
county,  provided  their  quality  be  the  same.  The 
favourable  competition  of  the  New -York  agriculturist 


XXX  INTRODUCTIdN. 


is  sufficiently  perceptible  by  this  simple  fact.     New- 
York  will  still  be  the  most  profitable  market  for  the 
western  states;  yet  her  own  productions  with  a  far 
less  formidable  drawback  froai  transportation,   will 
command  the  same  price  as  the  products   from  the 
shores  of  the  Erie,  the  Ohio,  the  Illinois,  the  Huron 
and  the  Superior.     Agriculture   depends  upon  con- 
sumption, and  neither   foreign   nor   domestic   con- 
sumption will  be  diminished  by  lessening  the  charges, 
and   increasing   the   facilities  of   traiisportation   to 
market.     Under   these  circumstances,  the  tendency 
of  the  Western  canal  upon  our  agricultural  improve- 
ment and  prosperity  is  evident  and  striking.     It  will 
create  a  new  era  in  the  history  of  this   fundamental 
science.     Our   canals  and  our  Board  of  agriculture 
will  produce   the  most   astonishing   results  in    the 
course  of  a  few  years,  and  distance    all  calculation. 
It  is  not  pretended  that  New-York  for  many  ages  is 
to  bear  any  thing  like  a  comparison  with  England, 
containing  many  millions  of  population,  commanding 
a  greater  capital  than  any  other  nation  in  the  world, 
and  filled  with  all  those  creative  agencies,  that  inge- 
nuity and  wealth  can  apply  to  the  cultivation  of  the 
soil — yet  England  and  Wales,  but  little  larger  than 
the  state  of  New-York,  show  us  what  can  be  done  oa 
a  theatre  of  a  given  extent.     They  have  far  more 
waste  and  barren  lands  that  our  own  state;  yet   from 
agriculture  alone  Great  Britain  derives  an  annual  in- 
come of  £210,817,624. 

It  is  not  intended,  in  this  place,  to  agitate  the  ques- 
tion relating  to  domestic  manufactures,  which  has  di- 
vided the  opinions  of  the  nation,  and  occupied  the 
attention  of  its  highest  councils ;  yet  it  will  be  con- 
ceded by  the  opposers  as  well  as  the  advocates  of  a 
system  of  protecting  duties,  that  sound  principles  of 


INTRODUCTION,  XXXI 

public  policy  demand  that  manufactures  to  a  certain 
extent  should  be  cherished  in  the  United  States. 
New-York  has  the  raw  materials  for  extensive  and 
profitable  establishments.  Her  iron  alone  is  worthy  of 
consideration,and  the  legislature  of  the  state  hasmade 
liberal  advances  to  encourage  those  who  have  em- 
barked in  its  manufacture.  New-York  could  feed 
more  sheep  than  the  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  whose 
wool  is  estimated  to  be  worth  more  annually  than 
^20,000,000  when  in  its  raw  state.  It  is  thought, 
that  the  ingredients  of  our  hydraulic  cement,  might  be 
used  for  the  manufacture  of  a  superior  kind  of  ware. 
Water  could  be  taken  from  the  canal  with  ease  and 
used  for  the  most  extensive  labour-saving  machinery. 
As  the  union  of  the  Erie  and  the  Hudson  will  increase 
population,  extend  the  divisions  of  labour,  render 
industry  more  productive,  and  call  forth  the  faculties 
of  the  whole  community;  as  it  will  reduce  the  trans- 
portaion  of  raw  as  well  as  manufactured  materials^i 
and  promote  inland  exchange,  it  must  have  a  direct  in- 
fluence in  producing  the  cultivation  of  those  domestic 
manufactures  that  lessen  our  impolitic  reliance  on 
the  skill  and  ingenuity  of  foreign  workmen,  and  sub- 
serve the  wants  of  people  like  our  own.  "In  coun- 
tries," says  Mr.  Philips,  "  which  hav€  the  advantage 
of  canals,  old  manufactories  are  rendered  more  flour- 
ishing, and  new  ones  established  from  day  to  day, 
in  situations  where,  before  the  land  was  of  but  little 
value  and  thinly  inhabited.  Do  the  materials  of  a 
manufacture  lie  dispersed  ?  canals  unite  them,  and 
at  the  same  time  supply  the  persons  employed  in  it, 
with  every  necessarj^  at  the  cheapest  rate."* 

The  salt  works  of  this  state  will   be  rendered   a 

*  Intro.   Hist.  Inland  Naviiration. 


XXXU  INTRODnCTION. 

source  of  great  wealth  by  our  canal  navigation.  The 
western  country  is  an  immense  grazing  region,  and 
will  demand  a  great  quantity  of  salt.  After  we  pass 
the  boundaries  of  our  own  state,  it  is  supplied  chiefly 
from  the  Conemaugh  w6rks  in  Pennsylvania,  the 
works  on  the  great  Kanhaway  in  Virginia,  and  from 
those  of  Kentucky  and  Illinois.  The  price  of  this  arti- 
cle must  bear  a  proportion  to  the  strength  or  saline 
qualities  of  .the  water  from  which  it  is  manufactured, 
and  the  charges  of  transportation.  The  Conemaugh 
salt  is  sold  at  Pittsburgh  for  $7  bO  per  barrel.  The 
Kanhaway  salt  which  is  of  an  inferior  quality,  cannot 
be  afforded  at  less  than  ^6  per  barrel.  The  Ken- 
tucky salt  is  not  sold  for  much  less  than  ^7  per  barrel 
to  the  surrounding  country.  The  Illinois  salt  is 
estimated  at  $4:  per  barrel,  at  the  works.  The  New- 
York  salt  can  be  vended  to  a  profit,  at  the  Salina 
works  at  $2  per  barrel,  and  when  the  Western  canal 
is  opened  to  lake  Erie,  it  can  be  sold  at  Pittsburgh 
for  ^5  31  per  barrel,  and  for  $5  50  at  Louisville.  We 
could  furnish  salt  for  the  whole  valley  of  the  Missis- 
sippi at  a  much  cheaper  rate  than  it  is  now  obtained 
possessing  qualities  too,  of  the  most  superior  kind. 
Our  means  for  manufacturing  it  are  in  exhaustible. 
No  water  in  the  United  States  is  equal  to  that  at 
Salina,  and  probably  none  in  the  world,  if  we  except 
certain  waters  in  Poland.  A  single  gallon  will  some- 
times afford  twenty-  six  ounces  of  salt.  Notwithstand- 
ing the  present  extent  of  land  transportation,  from 
the  Onondaga  lake,  to  the  various  mercantile  depots 
west  of  Buffalo,  traders  from  the  state  of  Ohio,^and 
other  quarters  of  the  western  states,  have  been  in 
the  habit  of  resorting  to  the  Onondago  springs  for 
their  supplies,  for  two  or  three  years  past,  and 
from  20,0,)0  to  30,000  bushels  have  passed  on  the 


INTRODUCTION  XXXlll 

waters  of  lake  Erie  to  the  places  of  consumption. 
Previous  to  our  commercial  restrictions,  we  imported 
between  three  and  four  millions  of  bushels  of  salt 
annually  into  the  United  States.  We  may  now  con- 
sume 5,000,000 — 3,000,000  of  bushels  of  which  we 
import.  We  could  easily  manufacture  2,000,000  of 
bushels  in  this  state.  This  quantity  with  the  present 
state  duty  of  12i  cents  on  the  bushel,  would  give  an 
annual  revenue  of  ^300,000.  Such  is  the  value  of 
the  salt  works  at  Salina,  that  during  the  year  1619, 
an  association  of  individuals,  who  could  have  com- 
manded a  credit  of  several  millions,  offered  to  com- 
plete the  Western  canal  in  a  given  time,  if  the  state 
government  would  lease  them  these  works  for  50 
years — the  salt  to  be  vended  at  marketable  prices. 
We  shall  see  a  new  extensive,  and  unchanging 
market  opened  for  this  article  of  merchandise  when 
the  union  is  effected  between  Salina  and  the  western 
lakes,  and  between  Salina  and  the  Hudson  and  lake 
Champlain.  We  already  derive  a  revenue  of  sixty 
or  seventy  thousand  dollars  from  the  state  duty  col- 
lected on  the  salt  at  the  place  of  manufacture. 

Our  lake  fisheries  are  not  sufficiently  valued.  They 
will  yet  be  ranked  among  the  greatest  resources 
of  the  state.  The  white  fish  and  the  lake  herring  are 
taken  in  great  abundance,  and  afford  a  cheap  and 
delicious  food.  Many  thousand  barrels  are  caught 
and  salted  down  every  year  by  the  inhabitants  along 
the  lake  shore.  Nor  is  this  all — the  lake  fish  is  already 
an  article  of  exportation  from  the  state.  We  have  sent 
16,000  barrels  during  a  single  year  into  the  states  of 
Pennsylvania  andOhio,estimated  to  be  worth  ^40,000. 
An  hundred  thousand  barrels  could  be  taken  and 
prepared  for  the  markets  of  the  interior,  and  sent  to 
the  falls  of  Louisville  or  the  banks  of  the  Missouri. 

E 


XXXIV  INTRODUCTION. 

As  the  facilities  of  conveyance  for  heavy  materials 
are  increased,  these  fisheries  will  prosper  and  be 
numbered  among  our  primary  sources  of  wealth. 

No  extensive  coal  mines  have  yet  been  discovered 
in  this  state;  but  at  Pittsburgh  and  on  Rocky  river, 
this  mineral  is  found  in  great  abundance.  When  the 
country  is  properly  explored,  no  doubt  remains  in 
the  minds  of  competent  judges,  of  its  being  obtain- 
ed within  our  own  borders.  But  suppose  we  find  it 
necessary  to  resort  to  Pittsburgh  for  a  supply :  when 
the  canal  is  finished,  it  will  be  much  cheaper  to  im- 
port our  fuel  from  the  head  of  the  Ohio,  than  from 
Liverpool.  The  fuel  consumed  annually  in  the  city 
of  New-York,  is  equal  to  2,400,000  bushels  of  coal, 
A  difference  of  ten  cents  on  the  bushel,  would 
save  to  our  metropolis,  ^240,000  per  year.  Should 
this  valuable  mineral  be  found  in  our  soil,  to  any  great 
extent,  the  gain  by  the  canal  in  this  item  would  be  im- 
portant. The  article  of  fuel  will  be  rendered  scarce 
as  the  country  becomes  populous  and  tillage  is  ex- 
tended. All  our  western  towns  and  villages,  from 
lake  Erie  to  Albany,  would  consume  coal  in  prefe- 
rence to  wood,  could  it  be  purchased  at  a  low  rate. 
It  may  not  be  improper  to  mention  here,  that  the  tim- 
ber and  lumber  of  the  western  district  will  find  a 
ready  market  by  means  of  the  canal. 

Gypsum  is  an  article  of  the  first  importance  to 
our  agricultural  prosperity.  Hitherto,  it  has  been 
imported,  to  a  great  extent  into  the  United  States 
Our  mines  on  the  canal-line  are  inexhaustible.  The 
bed  discovered  in  Onondago  county  by  the  excava- 
tion of  the  canal,  is  40  feet  deep.  We  can  afford  it 
for  a  less  price  than  it  is  imported,  to  all  the  states 
south  of  New  England,  and  even  to  some  parts  of 
this  section  of  the  union.  Its  quality  is  unsurpassed 
in  purity. 


IMTRGDUCTION.  XXXV 

,  We  have  yet  scarcely  spoken  of  the  Northern  ca- 
nal. Ten  years  ago  this  work  would  have  been 
thought  gigantic,  and  startled  the  timidity  and  ap- 
prehensions of  those  who  are  accustomed  to  contem-* 
plate  our  capacity  and  strength  as  a  people,  through 
a  false  medium.  Human  strength  is  never  known 
until  tested.  The  compass  of  national  power  is 
proved  when  the  hour  of  trial  arrives.  The  calcula- 
tions which  are  settled  by  an  ordinary  standard  be- 
come the  subject  of  subsequent  scorn  and  ridicule. 
Since  beyond  the  expectation  of  thousands,  we  have 
found  the  state  of  New-York  competent  to  make  a 
canal  of  more  than  350  miles,  we  think  nothing  of  one 
that  runs  the  distance  of  60.  Yet  the  canal  of  the 
north  is  a  great  work  of  itself,  and  will  be  great  in 
its  consequences.  It  connects  lake  Champlain  to 
the  Hudson  and  thus  to  the  Atlantic.  It  opens  a 
market  for  the  lumber  which  is  found  in  great  abun- 
dance on  its  borders,  as  well  as  on  the  shores  of  lake 
George — lessens  the  transportation  to  and  from  the 
north — gives  us  the  trade  of  Vermont,  especially  on 
the  western  side  of  the  Green  mountains,  and  opens  a 
direct  passage  to  those  marble  quarries  on  the  shores 
of  lake  Champlain,  that  will  supply  New- York,  Phi- 
ladelphia, and  our  southern  cities  with  important 
materials  in  the  ornamental  part  of  building.  On 
the  other  hand, our  salt  and  gypsum  can  be  exchanged 
with  the  farmers  of  Vermont  for  their  beef,  butter, 
cheese,  and  other  products.  It  will  divert  a  conside- 
rable branch  of  trade  from  Montreal  to  New- York, 
now  carried  on  between  a  portion  of  Vermont  and  the 
former  place,  and  in  time  of  war,  afford  a  channel  of 
communication  of  the  utmost  importance.  The  two 
great  advantages,  however,  of  this  work,  will  be  the 
facilities   which  it  must  afford  to  the  lumber  trade  of 


XXXVl  INTRODUCTION'. 

the  north,  and  to  the  distribution  of  our  salt  and  plais- 
ter.  In  point  of  revenue,  it  will  produce  enough  to 
pay  the  interest  of  the  money  expended  in  its  exe- 
cution, and  forma  sinking  fund  that  will  extinguish  the 
principal  itself  in  the  course  of  a  few  years,  and 
then  afford  a  permanent  income  to  the  state  govern- 
ment. 

These  are  some  of  the  advantages  of  the  New- 
York  canals,  that  must  fall  to  our  own  state.  What 
character  they  will  impart  to  our  civil  policy,  and 
what  new  relations  they  will  produce  in  its  future 
compass,  is  not  for  any  one  to  say,  destitute  of 
prescience.  They  will  place  in  the  hands  of  our 
state  government,  the  means  of  fostering  and  exe- 
cuting new  and  noble  plans  for  the  advancement 
of  our  prosperity,  and  of  enabling  New-York  to 
sustain  a  parallel  with  any  free  state  of  the  same  ex- 
tent and  population  that  ever  had  existence.  We 
have  taken  a  view  of  the  canal  revenues.  If  money 
be  the  sinews  of  war  its  judicious  and  munificent 
application,  also  has  the  power  of  rendering  peace 
illustrious  and  memorable.  Why  do  we  refer  to  the 
reign  of  the  Antonines  when  they  guided  the  for- 
tunes of  the  Roman  empire,  and  to  that  of  Henry  IV^ 
and  Louis  XIV  of  France,  as  glorious  periods  in  the 
annals  of  mankind  ?  Not  for  the  fields  that  were  con- 
tested, or  for  the  triumphal  columns  that  were  raised; 
but  for  the  cultivation  of  those  arts  and  sciences  that 
produce  refinement,  that  multiply  the  blessings,  the 
comforts,  and  the  charms  of  civilization,  that  reveal 
the  powers  and  faculties  of  a  state,  in  every  depart- 
ment of  genius,  enterprise  and  industry.  Liberal 
disbursements  on  the  part  of  government  are  requi- 
site to  produce  these  results.  Agriculture  ^  is  the 
grand  source  of  national  wealth,  and  there  is  no  sci- 


INTROSUCTION.  XXSVn 

ence  that  makes  a  greater  return  for  patronage. 
Our  Board  of  agriculture,  holding  a  supervision 
over  more  than  fifty  country  associations,  which 
combine  the  talents,  wealth  and  respectability  of  the 
state  furnishes  an  evidence  of  what  even  a  limited 
appropriation  of  money,  is  capable  of  effecting.  Could 
the  legislature  set  apart  a  permanent  fund,  from 
w^hich  three  hundred  thousand  dollars  could  be  an- 
nually drawn  for  the  next  few  years,  to  create  patent 
farms,  institute  public  lectures,  to  apply  all  the 
branches  oi'  natural  science  that  can  improve  the 
cultivation  of  the  soil  by  the  light  w  hich  they  afford, 
and  to  perfect  the  breed  of  domestic  animals  by  ex- 
periment and  by  correspondence  with  different  foreign 
countries,  as  well  as  to  distribute  premiums  after  the 
manner  now  practised ;  we  should  see  New- York  a 
model  for  her  sisters  of  the  confederacy,  and  a  model 
for  distant  countries  and  distant  ages.  The  prosperi- 
ty of  the  mechanic  arts,  depends  on  the  aggregate  of 
inventive  genius  in  a  community,  united  to  industry. 
Much  indeed  has  been  accomplished  within  the  few 
last  years  for  the  extension  of  labour-saving  machine- 
ry ;  but  the  field  of  discovery  is  still  boundless. 
Strong  stimulants  are  however  demanded  to  secure 
those  acquisitions  of  skill,  that  are  not  produced  by 
motives  of  pecuniary  gain,  in  the  ordinary  course  of 
things.  Napoleon  showed  the  sense  of  a  great  ruler, 
when  he  appealed  to  the  ingenuity  of  all  nations  by 
offering  rewards  for  improvements  in  the  manufacture 
of  useful  articles.  Letters  patent,  and  the  security 
and  sacredness  of  copj-rights,  are  founded  on  the 
same  policy.  Could  the  government  of  this  state 
offer  premiums  to  the  amount  of  one  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars  annually,  in  prizes,  for  the  most  expedi- 
tious and  profitable  method  of  manufacturing  hemp, 


XXXVlll  INTRODUCTION. 

flax,  wool,  cotton  and  other  materials,  and  also,  for 
the  most  advantageous  method  of  manufacturing  the 
different  metals,  and  converting  wood  into  utensils  of 
husbandry  and  of  domestic  use,  and  pursue  the  same 
line   of  policy   in  all  the   different  branches   of  the 
useful  arts,  a  new  era  would  ensue  in  the  history  of 
labour-saving  machinery.     When  we  speak  of  litera- 
ture in  this  place,  it  is  not  expected  that  the  legisla- 
ture of  the  state,  will  be  able  to  produce  an  Augustine 
age;  but   with   the   distribution   of  three   hundred 
thousand  dollars    annually,   united   to  our   present 
school  fund,  a  system  of  elementary  instruction  could 
be  established  that  would  not  permit  a  child   from 
Montauk   point  to   the    falls    of    Niagara  to   grow 
up  in  ignorance.      Education  would  be   universally 
diffused,  and  a  spectacle  be  presented   to   the   phi- 
lanthropist and  the  statesman,  in  which  they  would 
see  the  future  prevalence  of  mild  and  humane  princi- 
ples of  government  and  the  prospective  security  of  civil 
freedom — for  in  early  habits  and  in  early  instruction 
we  perceive  the  stability  of  that  political  fabric,  that 
was  reared  in  darkness  and  trouble,  by  those  great  pa- 
triots,who  have  dropped  their  mantles  upon  their  de- 
scendents.     As  for  seminaries  of  learning  and  learned 
institutions,  the  state  could  do  much.  New  professor- 
ships and  new  requisitions  could  be  introduced  in  the 
one,  and  the  means  of  making  extensive  and  useful  pub- 
lications be  given  to  the  other.     New  roads  and  new 
canals  could  be  opened,  our  citizens  be  relieved  from 
all  public  burdens,    and  our   public  debts  be  extin- 
guished.   In  fact,  all  that  revenue,  and  its  application 
could  do,  might  be  effected,  for  the  prosperity   and 
glory  of  the  state.  These  observations  may  be  deem- 
ed visionary  now :  we  ask   but  the  lapse  of  twenty 
years  to  find  their  full  corroboration. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXX  XI 

The  New-York  canals  may  now  be  considered  Hn 
a  national  point  of  view.  Great  Britain  keeps  3, 
steady  eye  on  her  north  American  possessions,  and 
especially  on  the  Canadas,  which  contain  more  square 
miles  than  five  of  our  most  populous  states.  She 
hopes  to  see  in  their  growth  and  prosperity,  a  power- 
ful restraint  upon  our  commercial  power.  The  Erie 
canal  will  enable  us  to  supplant  the  Canadas  in 
that  extensive  participation  of  the  western  and  north- 
western trade,  which  they  have  heretofore  command- 
ed, and  which,  in  the  progress  of  another  generation, 
would  form  an  important  drawback  on  our  national 
welfare.  It  will  be  seen  by  one  of  the  reports  of  the 
canal  commissioners,  found  in  the  sequel,  that  even 
if  there  was  a  canal  cut  round  the  falls  of  Niagara 
by  the  British  government  it  would  be  less  expensive 
to  take  produce  to  New-York  through  the  medium  of 
the  Western  canal,  from  thp  mouth  of  lake  Erie,  than 
from  any  point  on  the  Niagara  river  to  the  city  of 
Montreal.  The  facilities  of  returning  from  the  re- 
spective places  to  the  lake  country,  will  bear  no 
comparison.  The  Hudson  and  the  canal  will  afford 
a  navigation  that  cannot  be  equalled  by  the  St.  Law- 
rence, with  its  rapids,  dangers,  and  obstructions. 
Besides,  the  St.  Lawrence  is  closed  by  the  intensities 
of  climate,  about  seven  months  in  the  year.  The 
harbour  of  New-York  is  open  at  all  seasons,  and  the 
Hudson  and  the  canals  will  be  navigable  two  and 
perhaps  three  months  longer  than  the  St.  Lawrence, 
and  lead  to  a  more  extensive  market. 

In  a  country  possessing  a  frontier  like  the  United 
States, — a  frontier  which  extends  along  the  ocean  fif- 
teen hundred  miles,  and  along  a  chain  of  lakes  seven- 
teen hundred,  and  when  too,  this  lake  frontier  pre- 
sents a  line  of  strong  fortifications  in  the  hands  of  a 


Xl  INTRODUCTION. 

jealous,  vigilant,  and  powerful  rival;    every   thing 
\yhich  increases  the  means  of  defence,  is  essential  to 
our  national  interests.     On  the  side  of  the  ocean,  we 
have  nothing  to  fear.  Our  naval  strength  and  prowess 
are   sufficient  pledges  of  safety ;    the  resources  of 
defensive  war  are  always  at  hand.     On  the   side  of 
the  lakes,  there  is  more  difficulty,  under  present  cir- 
cumstances.    Every  munition  of  war  must  be  carried 
from  the  seaboard,  or  places  in  its  vicinity  at  an  enor- 
mous cost.     Had  the  Western  canal  been  completed 
previous  to  the  late  war  with  England,  we  should  have 
saved  to  the  nation  more  than  sufficient  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  connecting  the  Hudson  with  lake  Erie, 
lake  Erie  with  the  Ohio,  the  Michigan  with  the  Illi- 
nois, the  Delaware  and  Chesapeak   bays,  and  the 
Delaware  and  the   Rariton.      Pieces  of  ordnance 
were  purchased  for  ^000  art  the  foundaries,  or  at  the 
military  stores,  and  cost  the  government  in  some  in- 
stances, $2000  when  delivered  on  the  frontiers.     A 
barrel  of  porkjor  beef, often  costthe  government  $126, 
and  other  articles  of  consumption,  were  purchased 
at  a  rate  equally  extravagant.    The  charges  of  trans- 
portation went  far  to  swell  the  war  debt  to  ^1^0,000,000 
and  upwards.     Every  thing  requisite  for  defence  can 
hereafter  pass  on  our  canals.     In  this  point  of  view, 
they  will  prove  a  wall  of  defence, — an   arsenal   fur- 
nishing the  weapons  of  effectual  war,  should  it  here- 
after ensue.     When  Mr.  Gallatin  made  his  report  on 
roads  and  canals  in  1807,  he  dwelt  much  on  the  ne- 
cessity as  a  military  safeguard.     When  the   debate 
took  place,  on  the  floor  of  congress  in   1818,  as   to 
the   constitutional    powers   of   congress   to   appro- 
priate  money  for  opening  internal    improvements, 
even  those  politicians  who  narrowed  down  the  con- 
stitution in  their  arguments,  until  some  of  its  grandest 


IlfTRODUCTION.  xlv 

ends  and  purposes  were  contravened,  admitted,  that 
roads  and  canals  were  requisite  to  the  nation  in  a 
military  sense,  and  therefore,  might  be  opened  and 
constructed.  Mr.  Calhoun,  the  present  secretary  of 
war,  whose  views  of  national  policy  have  always 
been  liberal  and  enlightened,  has  more  than  once 
urged  upon  the  general  government,  the  necessity  of 
new  communications  with  our  frontier  settlements. 
We  may  in  fact  say,  that  New-York,  in  connecting 
the  Hudson  with  the  Northern  and  Western  lakes, 
has  directly  strengthened  the  protecting  arm  of  the 
nation. 

Heretofore,  the  sale  of  public  lands  has  been  con- 
sidered of  importance  to  the  general  government. 
Their  settlement  how^evcT-,  is  of  much  more  conse- 
quence than  their  mere  purchase.  It  would  prove 
a  serious  detriment  to  the  United  States,  if  men  of 
large  capital,  should  barely  hold  the  fee  of  immense 
tracts  of  territory  in  the  western  states,  like  the  ba- 
rons in  feudal  times,  and  keep  them  uncultivated,  or 
lease  them  out  to  tenants.  "  We  want  population," 
were  the  constant  words  of  Patrick  Henry,  when 
speaking  of  our  wild  lands.  Whatever  disperses  the 
shades  of  the  wilderness,  and  plants  the  monuments 
of  civilization  and  industry;  whatever  tends  to  fill 
our  regions  with  a  bold,  hardy,  and  enterprising  popu- 
lation, also  increases  national  strength  and  augments 
the  products  of  labour.  At  present,  the  charges  of 
transportation  prove  a  serious  discouragement  to 
settlements  in  the  new  states,  beyond  Ohio.  Emi- 
grants can  indeed  live  on  the  borders  of  the  lakes  and 
on  the  banks  of  the  western  rivers  with  little  diffi- 
culty ;  but  they  live,  and  that  is  all.  The  products  of 
their  labour,  beyond  consumption,  are  of  little  value 
without  amarket,  or  the  means  of  reaching  a  ?narket, 

F 


Xlii  INTRODUCTION. 

Canal  navigation  will  place  them  by  the  side   of  the 
seaboard. 

When  the  Western  canal  was  commenced,  much 
difficulty  was  experienced  in  obtaining  civil  engi- 
neers. The  defect  was  soon  remedied  by  the  ver- 
satile ingenuity  of  our  countrymen.  For  accuracy, 
despatch,  and  science,  we  can  now  present  a  corps 
of  engineers  equal  to  any  in  the  world.  Applications 
for  aid,  in  the  line  of  their  profession,  have  been 
made  to  our  canal  commissioners,  from  different 
states.  The  canal  line  is  now  one  of  the  most  excel- 
lent schools  that  could  be  divised,  to  accomplish  men 
for  this  pursuit.  The  work  of  canal-making  has  but 
just  commenced  in  the  United  States.  The  profi- 
ciency which  has  been  made  in  our  own  undertaking 
may  be  viewed  as  an  acquisition  to  the  union  at  large. 

There  are  many  other  considerations  worthy  of 
mentioning.  New-York,  by  her  canals,  has  awaken- 
ed a  noble  spirit  of  enterprise  and  emulation  in  other 
states,  and  convinced  them  of  their  latent  strength. 
Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  Ohio,  and  the  Carolinas, 
are  following  her  example.  The  promotion  of  civili- 
zation among  the  Indian  tribes;  a  greater  participa- 
tion in  the  fur  trade  of  the  north-west;  the  encourage- 
ment to  manufacture  sugar  from  the  maple  ;  the  ex- 
tension of  our  knowledge  in  geology,  and  mineralogy, 
by  the  constant  excavation  along  the  canal-line,  are 
among  the  useful  results  to  be  anticipated.  The  On- 
ondaga gypsum,  and  the  lime-cement,  were  acciden- 
tally discovered  in  the  prosecution  of  our  labours. 

But  paramount  to  all  other  considerations,  is  the 
influence  to  be  anticipated  from  the  Western  canal 
in  giving  strength  and  durability  to  our  national  con- 
federacy. This  is  a  subject,  around  which,  all  our 
social,  all  our  political,  and  all  our  national  feelings 


INTRODUCTION.  xHii 

should  centre.  All  individual  attachments, all  views  of 
state  aggrandizement  should  be  subservient  and  se- 
condary, to  an  unceasing  anxiety  for  the  stability  of 
our  union.  Every  thing  dear  and  sacred  is  involved 
in  the  perpetuity  of  our  compact.  We  possess  a 
government  different  from  all  others  that  ever  existed. 
It  defies  analogy  in  its  relations,  its  checks,  and  its 
balances.  We  have  twenty-one  distinct  constitutions, 
embracing  different  climates,  different  habits,  diffe- 
rent interests,  and  in  some  respects,  different  senti- 
ments. Our  national  existence  depends  on  their  re- 
conciliation. Whatever  will  amalgamate  and  assimilate 
them ;  whatever  will  harmonize  and  blend  our  sym- 
pathies, views  and  thoughts,  is  deserving  of  the  deep- 
est attention.  What  will  prove  the  most  effectual 
means  of  promoting  these  ends  ?  Constant  communi- 
cations between  the  different  sections  of  the  union 
and  the  annihilation  of  all  local  barriers.  We  must 
bring  the  north,  and  the  south,  and  the  east,  and  the 
west,  nearer  each  other,  by  the  attractions  of  inte- 
rest. This  will  destroy  asperities,  soften  contrasts  of 
character,  and  create  those  moral  ligaments  which 
will  grow  strong  through  time,  and  the  occurrence  of 
events.  New  ties,  new  attachments,  and  new  simili- 
tudes, should  act,  and  re-act,  and  pervade  a  nation 
which  God  has  made  great,  and  which  man,  under  his 
protecting  arm,  can  make  greater.  As  we  look  from 
the  lakes  to  Florida,  and  from  the  sea  shore  to  the 
Missouri,  we  behold  the  seat  of  an  empire,  which  no- 
thing but  internal  discord  can  arrest  in  its  natural 
course  to  grand  and  eventual  fortunes.  The  West 
ern  canal  will  unite  the  two  most  populous  and  pow- 
erful sections  of  the  nation,  and  form  one  of  the 
strongest  safeguards  of  the  union,  that  either  state  or 
national  policy  is  capable  of  devising.   The  AUegha- 


Xliv  INTRODUCTION. 

ny  mountains  will  no  longer  form  a  national  line  of 
division.  The  people  of  the  Atlantic  and  the  people 
of  the  western  states  will  be  connected  by  interest, 
by  habit,  and  by  constant  intercourse.  These  re- 
flections recall  the  parting  words  of  Washington  to 
his  country :  "  The  east,  in  an  unrestrained  inter- 
course with  the  west,  already  finds,  and  in  the  pro- 
gressive improvements  of  interior  communications, 
by  land  and  water,  will  more  and  more  find,  a  valua- 
ble vent  for  the  commodities  which  it  brings  from 
abroad,  or  manufactures  at  home.  The  west  derives 
from  the  east,  supplies  requisite  to  its  growth  and 
comfort, — and,  what  is  perhaps  of  still  greater  conse- 
quence, it  must  of  necessity  owe  the  secure  enjoy- 
ment of  indispensable  outlets  for  its  productions,  to 
the  weight,  influence,  and  the  future  maritime 
strength  of  the  Atlantic  side  of  the  union,  directed 
by  an  indissoluble  community  of  interests,  as  on© 
nation."* 

No  nation  ever  existed  that  was  so  well  calculated 
to  reveal  and  multiply  national  resources,  as  the  Uni- 
ted States.  The  nature  of  our  political  institutions, 
the  equal  distribution  of  property  among  our  people, 
the  intelligence  and  industry  that  are  every  where 
perceptible,  the  emulation  that  exists,  and  the  sacred- 
ness  of  property,  are  important  auxiliaries  to  public 
rulers.  In  a  monarchy,  not  only  are  many  of  these 
aids  wanting,  but  much  depends  on  the  character  of 
the  ruler  who  fills  the  throne.  The  measures  of  his 
government  may  be  wise,  strong,  and  enlightened,  or, 
they  may  be  narrow,  feeble,  and  shortsighted.  Great 
conceptions  may  break  out,  and  elevated  hopes  be 
inspired;  but  caprice,  death  or  revolution,  may  arrest 


*  Farewell  Address. 


INTRODUCTION.  xlv 

the  most  auspicious  projects.  Charlemagne,  who 
seems  to  have  lived  too  soon  for  the  age  in  which  he 
flourished,  had  formed  extensive  plans  to  improve 
the  interior  of  his  empire;  Henry  IV  of  France, 
aided  by  the  lofty  genius  of  Sully,  had  contem- 
plated the  improvement  of  France,  by  magnifi- 
cent public  works,  to  impart  celerity  and  exten- 
sion to  trade,  manufactures,  and  internal  intercourse; 
Charles  XII,  cherished  views  that  might  have  in- 
creased the  power  and  wealth  of  Sweden ;  and  Na- 
poleon adopted  a  plan  to  open  forty  new  canals  with- 
in the  limits  of  his  empire.  These  projects  were  con- 
signed to  the  tomb  of  greatness,  when  their  authors 
ceased  to  hold  the  sceptre  of  power.  But  a  repre- 
sentative system,  like  our  own,  is  a  moral  being, whose 
temper,  propensities,  and  policy,  may  wear  the  cha- 
racter of  uniformity  for  centuries.  Great  designs 
move  on,  in  their  execution,  with  the  existence  of  the 
repubhc  itself  Master  spirits  arise,  one  after  another, 
to  awake,  to  inspire,  and  to  guide ;  and  their  talents 
become  public  property.  Their  labours  are  the  la- 
bours of  the  commonwealth.  These  principles  are 
breathed  in  the  essence  of  our  government. 

The  policy  of  this  country  is  twofold — there  is 
the  policy  of  the  general  government,  and  that  of  the 
state  governments.  While  the  general  government 
exercises  a  superintending  power  over  the  confede- 
racy, and  can  appropriate  disbursements  for  public 
works,  the  different  states  have  their  own  internal 
measures.  Would  they  but  unite  their  efforts  for  the 
next  twenty  years,  the  face  of  the  union  would  be 
completely  changed.  If  the  national  government 
should  execute  such  works  as  the  junction  of  Chesa- 
peak  and  Delaware  bays,  and  the  union  of  the  Dela- 


Xlvi  INTRODUCTION. 

ware  and  the  Rariton  rivers,*  and  leave  the  different 
states  to  make  other  improvements  within  the  com- 
pass of  their  respective  means,  we  should  be  ena- 
bled in  peace  and  in  war  to  maintain  an  inland  trade 
unequalled  by  any  nation  in  existence,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  China,  and  in  time,  even  surpass  her.  We 
Gould  commence  a  voyage  at  the  mouth  of  the  Hud- 
son, pass  through  the  Western  canal  into  the  great 
lakes,  through  these  to  the  Mississippi  by  the  Chicago 
and  the  Illinois,  and  from  thence  to  our  ports  on  the 
Yellow  stone,  eighteen  hundred  miles  above  St.  Louis; 
thence  descending  to  the  Mississippi,  we  could  fall 
down  with  her  current  to  New-Orleans,  pass  from 
this  emporium  through  inland  channels,  along  the 
Florida  frontier,  and  across  its  deep  peninsula  to 
Savannah ;  from  thence  along  the  coast,  by  a  chain 
of  communications,  through  the  waters  of  the  Dela- 
ware and  Chesapeak  bays,  to  the  Delaware  river, 
and  by  that  and  the  Rariton,  again  enter  the  spa- 
cious bosom  of  our  own  harbour, — performing  a  cir- 
cuit of  more  than  seven  thousand  miles.  Such  limits, 
when  filled  with  population,  will  recall  to  mind,  the 
boundaries  of  the  Roman  empire,  when,  in  the  enthu- 
siastic  language  of  the  historian,  it  was  "  confounded 
with  the  globe  of  the  earth ;" — when  its  length  ex- 
teaded  from  the  Western  ocean  to  the  Euphrates, 
and  its  breadth,  from  the  wall  of  Antoninus,  and  the 
regions  of  Dacia,  to  mount  Atlas  and  the  sources 
of  the  Nile. 


*  It  is  to  be  regretted,  that  our  national  energie-  .  ave  i  een 
much  shackled  by  technical  scruples  in  relation  to  the  constitution- 
al power  of  making  appropriations  in  congress,  for  openiiag  roads 
and  canals.  The  case  of  the  Cumberland  road,  is,  however, 
conclusive.  If  money  can  be  appropriated  in  one  case,  it  surely 
may  be  in  another  for  objects  of  a  similar  nature. 


INTRODUCTION.  xlvii 

It  might  here  be  expected,  that  we  should  give 
some  historical  sketch  that  would  show  the  merits 
of  those  public  men  who  have  been  instrumental  in 
the  origin  and  prosecution  of  our  canal  policy.  It  is 
unnecessary.  Already  the  eye  of  history  is  upon 
them.  Men  and  their  acts  will  be  connected.  Co- 
lumbus discovered  a  new  world :  who  can  extinguish 
the  lustre  of  his  name  ?  Washington  led  our  armies  to 
victory,  Franklin  drew  the  lightning  from  heaven- 
Fulton  applied  the  power  of  steam  to  navigation — 
and  fame  is  faithful  to  their  memories.  It  will  not  be 
less  so  to  the  statesmen,  who  leave  behind  them 
those  evidences  of  wisdom,  which  may  be  contem- 
plated to  the  last  verge  of  eternity,  with  wonder  and 
delight :  siquidem  gloria  est  illustris  ac  pervagata  muU 
torum  efmagnorumvel  in  suos,  vel  ijipatriam,  vel  in  omns 
genus  hominum  fama  meritorum. 

We  live  at  a  period  the  most  eventful  in  the  annals 
of  time.  The  reign  of  Napoleon,  the  reign  of  George 
III,  and  the  reign  of  Alexander  of  Russia,  present 
the  policy  of  nations  on  a  broader  scale,  than  any 
other  space  in  the  occurrence  of  six  thousand  years: 
and  yei^  where  is  there  a  work  of  their  hands  which 
will  compare  in  grandeur  and  utility  with  the  great 
Western  canal  ?  Let  it  be  told  in  history,  thafin  fifty 
years  after  the  declaration  of  American  independence, 
the  state  of  New-York,commenced  and  finished  the 
first  work  of  the  age  BY  UNITING  THE  WEST- 
ERN AND  NORTHERN  LAKES  WITH  THE 
ATLANTIC  OCEAN  ! ! ! 


NOTE. 

[After  the  foregoing  was  put  to  press,  the  following  remarks  were 
handed  to  Mr.  Haines,  by  a  highly  respectable  gentleman,  with 
a  request  that  he  would  give  them  an  insertion  in  this  place. 
The  facts  communicated  can  be  placed  beyond  controversy,  by 
an  appeal  to  Governor  Clinton,  Judge  Piatt,  Thomas  Eddy,  Esq. 
Eind  Gen.  John  Swartwout.] 

As  every  thing  thai  relates  to  the  rise  and  progress 
of  the  Grand  canal  will  be  interesting  to  the  public, 
and  may  be  more  so  to  our  posterity,  the  writer  of 
this  communication  submits  the  following  remark 
to  Mr.  Haines,  relating  to  facts  that  came  within 
his  own  knowledge. 

The  Western  Inland  Lock  Navigation  Company, 
incorporated  in  1792,  confined  their  views  to  the 
improvement  of  the  navigation  of  the  Mohawk  river, 
the  Oneida  lake,  and  Seneca  river,  as  far  as  the  Se- 
neca lake ;  and  to  effect  this,  they  engaged  in  their 
service,  William  Weston  Esq.  an  eminent  canal  engi- 
neer, from  England. — In  1795,  the  directors  of  the 
company  appointed  their  president,  General  Schuyler 
and  Thomas  Eddy,  Esq.  to  explore  and  examine 
the  country  as  far  west  as  the  Seneca  lake,  and  to 
be  accompanied  by  their  engineer,  William  Weston. 
After  performing  this,  they  made  a  favourable  report 
as  to  the  practicability  of  considerable  improvements 
being  made  in  the  navigation,  by  means  of  connect- 
ing those  waters. — The  funds  of  the  company,  how- 
ever, did  not  permit  their  doing  more  than  making 
improvements  on  the  Mohawk  river  and  Wood  creek. 
In  this  posture,  the  subject  remained  till  1808,  at 
which  period,  Joshua  Forman,  Esq.  a  member  of 
the  legislature  from  Onondaga,  made  a  motion  in  the 
assembly  for  a  survey  to  be  made  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  surveyor  general  of  the  county,  between 


INTRODUCTION.  x!ix 

lake  Erie  and  Hudson  river,  in  order  to  ascertain  the 
practicability  of  connecting  the  ^^everal  waters,  Sgc. 
The  resolution  moved  by  Mr.  Forraan  was  adopted, 
and  resulted  in  nothing  being  done. 

In  March,  18J0,  Thomas  Eddj  vras  at  Albany,  and 
being  extremely  desirous  that  the  great  work  of  im- 
proving our  interoal  navigation  should  be  undertaken, 
he  caited  one  evening  on  his  friend  Jonas  Piatt, 
Esq.  who  was  then  a  member  of  the  senate,  and 
suggested  to  him  the  propriety  of  appointing  com- 
missioners to  examine  and  explore  the  western  coun- 
try, in  order  to  ascertain  the  practicability  of  con- 
necting, by  canal  navigation,  the  great  lakes  with 
the  Hudson  river.  After  some  discussion,  it  was 
agreed  that  the  effort  should  be  made,  and  a  joint 
resolution  be  offered  to  both  houses  drafted  by  ge- 
neral Piatt.  It  was  then  agreed  that  they  would  next 
morning  call  on  Dewitt  Clinton,  and  hand  it  to  him 
for  his  perusal,  in  hopes  that  the  proposed  measure 
would  meet  his  countenance  and  support.  The  next 
morning,  Messrs.  Piatt  and  Eddy,  met  Mr.  Clinton  at 
the  senate  chamber,  and  handed  him  the  draft  of  the 
aforementioned  resolution ;  on  reading  it,  Mr  Clin- 
ton expressed  his  warm  approbation  of  the  measure, 
and  declared  himself  much  interested  in  its  success. 
At  this  moment,  the  senate  was  formed,  when  Mr. 
Piatt  offered  the  resolution,  which  was  seconded  by 
Mr.  Clinton,  and  passed  unanimously.— The  follow- 
ing is  a  copy  of  the  same : — 

STATE  OF  NEW-YORK, 

h  Senate,  March  J  3,  1810. 

Whereas,  the  agricultural  and  commercial  inte- 
rests of  the  state,  require  that  the  inland  navigation 


1  INTRODUCTION. 

from  Hudson  river  to  lake  Ontario  and  lake  Erie,  be 
improved  and  completed  on  a  scale  commensurate  to 
the  great  advantages  derived  from  the  accomplish- 
ment of  that  important  object :  And  whereas,  it  is 
doubtful  whether  the  resources  of  the  Western  In- 
land Lock  Navigation  Company  are  adequate  to 
such  improvements: 

Therefore  resolved,  that  if  the  honourable  the  as- 
sembly consent  herein,  that  Governeur  Morris,  Ste- 
phen Van  Rensselaer,  Dewitt  Clinton,  Simeon  Dewitt, 
William  North,  Thomas  Eddy,  and  Peter  B.  Porter, 
be  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  commissioners  for 
exploring  the  whole  route,  examining  the  present 
condition  of  the  said  navigation,  and  considering 
what  further  improvements  ought  to  be  made  therein; 
and  that  they  be  authorized  to  direct  and  procure 
such  surveys  as  to  them  shall  appear  necessary  and 
proper  in  relation  to  these  objects ;  and  that  they  re- 
port thereon  to  the  legislature,  at  their  next  session, 
presenting  a  full  view  of  the  subjects  referred  to  them, 
with  their  estimates  and  opinions  thereon. 

And  whereas,  numerous  inhabitants  of  the  coun- 
tries of  Oneida,  Madison,  Onondaga,  have  by  their 
petitions,  represented  that  by  reason  of  the  spring 
freshets,  the  Oneida  lake  is  usually  raised  so  high  as 
to  inundate  large  tracts  of  land  adjacent  thereto, 
which  are  thereby  rendered  unfit  for  cultivation,  and 
highly  injurious  to  the  health  of  the  neighbouring  in- 
habitants; and  that  the  said  evils  may  be  easily  reme- 
died by  removing  a  bar  and  deepening  the  channel 
at  the  outlet  of  the  said  lake. 

Therefore  resolved,  (if  the  honourable  the  assem- 
bly concur  herein)  that  the  commissioners  above- 
named  be,  and  they  are  hereby  directed  to  examine 
the  subject  of  the  said  petitions,  and  to  report  to  the 


INTRODUCTION.  ll 

legislature  their  opinion  as  to  the  practicability,  the 
expense,  and  the  effect  of  removing  the   bar,  and 
deepening  the  channel  at  the  outlet  of  said  lake. 
By  order, 

S.  VisscHER,  Clerk. 

In  the  summer  of  1810,  the  above-named  commis- 
sioners explored  and  examined  the  whole  route  from 
the  Hudson  to  lake  Erie,  and  at  the  session  of  the 
legislature  following,  presented  their  first  report. 
In  1811,  several  surveys  were  made,  and  in  that 
year,  Robert  R.  Livingston,  and  Robert  Fulton, 
were  added  to  the  commission,  and  a  second  report 
was  presented  to  the  legislature.  An  act  was  passed 
in  1812,  authorizing  the  commissioners  to  borrow  on 
the  credit  of  the  state,  1^5,000,000  in  order  to  prose- 
cute the  canal.  This  part  of  the  act  was  repealed  in 
1814. 

In  1815,  many  of  our  citizens  entertained  great 
doubts  of  the  practicability  of  the  proposed  under- 
taking, and  many  highly  respectable  men  seriously 
apprehended  that  the  resources  of  the  state  were  en- 
tirely incompetent  to  secure  its  completion.  Besides 
the  existence  of  these  difficulties,  the  measure  was 
opposed  with  great  warmth  on  party  grounds. 

In  the  autumn  of  1816^  Judge  Piatt  was  in  the  city 
of  New- York,  holding  court,  and  a  consultation  took 
place  betweenhim,Dewitt  Clinton,  and  Thomas  Eddy. 
It  was  evident  to  them,  that  the  public  mind  appeared 
gloomy  and  discouraged.respecting  the  project  of  exe- 
cuting the  proposed  canal.  The  gentleman  mentioned 
convened,however,  and  determined  to  make  one  more 
effort  to  revive  the  subject,  and  to  bring  it  again  before 
the  legislature.  With  this  view,  they  inserted  an  ad- 
vertisement in  the  newspapers,  requesting  a  meeting 
©f  the  citizens,  at  the  City  Hotel,  in  order  to  take  in- 


iii  INTRODUCTieN. 

to  consideration  the  propriety  of  an  application  to 
the  legislature,  in  favour  of  prosecuting  the  canal. 
This  meeting  was  large  and  respectable.  William 
Bayard  was  the  chairman,  and  the  business  was  open- 
ed by  judge  Piatt,  followed  by  Dewitt  Clinton,  John 
Svvartwout,  and  others, — D.  W.  Clinton,  I  Swartwout, 
and  Thomas  Eddy  were  appointed  a  committee,  to 
prepare  a  memorial  to  the  legislature, — This  memo- 
rial was  drafted  by  Mr.  Clinton,  and  drawn  in  so  mas- 
terly a  style,  and  embraced  so  lucid  and  compre- 
hensive a  view  of  the  immense  advantages  that 
would  be  produced  to  the  state  by  the  completion  of 
the  canal,  that  copies  were  sent  throughout  the  state 
were  eagerly  signed  by  thousands,  and  carried  full 
conviction  to  every  mind.  The  project  immediately 
became  popular,  and  it  was  the  means  of  rousing  the 
legislature,  and  produced  the  several  successive  laws 
in  prosecuting  this  great  work.  A  system  of  finance 
was  drawn  by  De  Witt  Clinton  which  with  some  tri- 
fling alterations,  was  adopted  by  the  legislature,  and 
is  now  in  successful  operation. 


Errata. 

For  folio  seventeen  of  Report  read  iwenty-Jivef  and  so  on- 
Folio  32  of  Introduction  transposed 


ii®mff. 


THE  Ccmmissionen-  appointed  by  joint  resolutions  of  the 
honovrahle  Senate  and  Asiiemhiy  of  the  State  of  JS^ew- 
York,  of  the  i3th  and  I  'Jh  March,  liJJ.O,  to  explore 
the  route  of  en  inland  navtgaion  from  Hudson"^ s  River 
to  Lake  Ontario  and  Lake  Erie.,  beg  leave  to 

REPORT, 

TnAr  tbej  have  examined  th-a  country  as  criti- 
cally as  time  and  circumstatices  would  permit,  and 
caused  surveys  tobe  made  for  nheir  better  information. 

Tiiey  he^  leave  to  observe,  on  the  present  naviga- 
tion of  the  Mohawk  river,  Wood  Creek,  Oneida  Lake, 
and  the  Oswego  river,  which  extend  from  Schenec- 
tady to  lake  Ontario^  (saving  only  a  portage  at  the 
Fails,within  twelve  rai'es  of  Oswego^)  that  experience 
has  long  since  exploded  in  E'urope  the  idea  of  using 
the  beds  of  rivers  for  internal  navigation,  where  ca- 
nals are  practicable.  The  reasoning  on  that  subject 
applies  with  greater  force,  in  America.  For  in  the 
navigation  of  rivers,  reliance  must  be  had  princi- 
pally on  the  labour  of  men ;  whereas,  alor.g  canals, 
the  force  employed  is  generally  that  of  horses.  But 
the  labour  of  men  is  dearer,  and  the  subsistence  of 
horses  cheaper  in  America  than  in  Europe.  Expe- 
rience, moreover,  has,  in  this  country,  declared 
against  foilowingthe  course  of  rivers,  more  decided- 
ly than  in  tiie  old  world;  for  there,  notwithstanding 
the  excellence  of  the  highways,  transportation  is  per- 
forraed(between Rouen  and  ?c".^^Sjfori'7stance)in  bcvits 
drawn  up  the  river :  but  alosjg  Ihe  Mohawk,  though 
the  road  from  Schenectady  to  Utica  is  hr  from  being 
good,  it  is  frequently  preferred  to  the  river. 

By  the  aid  of  canals,  a  scood  navigation  (for  boats) 
can  unquestionably  be  aiada  from  Scheriectady  to 
the  Falls  in  the  Oswego  rirer,  twelve  miles  south  of 
lake  Ontario.    From  Schenectady  to  the  Hudson, 

2 


(     2     ) 

and  from  the  Falls  just  mentioned,  to  the  lake  On- 
tario, a  boat  navigation  is  also  practicable ;  but  whe- 
ther it  be  advisable,  may  deserve  consideration. 

A  preliminary  point  to  decide,  is,  whether  by  this 
route,  vessels  can  be  taken  across,  of  size  and  form, 
to  navigate,  with  advantage,  lake  Ontario  and  Hud- 
son's river ;  such,  for  instance,  as  sloops  and  schoon- 
ers of  fifty  or  sixty  tons. 

The  commissioners  believe  this  to  be  impractica- 
ble, from  the  want  of  water  at  the  summit  level. 
Whether  a  sufficient  supply  even  for  boats  can  be  ob- 
tained in  a  dry  season,  should  the  whole  trade  of  the 
great  lakes  be  turned  that  way,  is  a  matter  worthy 
of  consideration. 

Admitting,  however,  that  the  boat  navigation  were 
completed  to  the  Falls,  in  Oswego  river,  and  a  suffi- 
cient supply  of  water  secured,  it  remains  to  inquire 
whether  it  would  be  prudent  to  expend  what  may  be 
needful  on  the  navigation  between  those  Falls  and 
the  lake. 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  report  of  the  surveyor  here- 
unto annexed,  that  in  this  distance  there  is  a  descent 
of  little  less  than  one  hundred  feet,  and  that  the  cir- 
cumstances are  peculiarly  unfavourable  ;  so  much  so, 
that  an  intelligent  practical  man  (Mr.  Weston)  for- 
merly pronounced  it  impossible.  That  word,  how- 
ever, when  used  on  occasions  of  this  sort,  must  be 
understood  as  standing  in  relation  to  the  means  which 
can  prudently  be  applied  to  the  end. 

In  examining  the  amount  of  expenditure  which 
prudence  may  justify,  it  is  to  be  noted,  that  if  the 
same  boat  which  arrives  at  the  upper  end  of  the  Falls, 
could,  after  reaching  Oswego,  proceed  on  her  voy- 
age, it  might  be  worth  while  to  calculate  whether 
the  saving  of  time  and  expense  in  lading  and  unla- 
ding, would  bear  any  rational  proportion  to  the  cost 
of  completing  that  navigation  ;  but  that  is  not  the 
case,  and  therefore  it  would  be  more  advisable,  if  the 
communication  be  deemed  of  sufficient  importance, 
to  construct  a  rail-way. 


(     3     ) 

This,  according  to  the  estimate  of  an  intelligent 
and  experienced  man,  (Mr.  Latrobe,)  annexed  to 
Mr.  Secretary  Gallatin's  report  on  canals  and  roads, 
would  cost  about  10,000  dollars  per  mile;  and  by 
the  aid  of  it,  one  horse  could  transport  eight  tons, 
supposing  the  angle  of  ascent  not  to  exceed  one  de- 
gree. 

But  an  angle  of  one  degree  will  ascend  in  a  mile 
upwards  of  ninety-two  feet,  or  nearly  as  much  as  the 
difference  of  level  in  the  whole  twelve  miles.  If, 
then,  two  dollars  be  allowed  for  a  horse,  wagon,  and 
driver's  wages,  (with  such  return  load  as  he  can  pro- 
cure for  his  profit,)and  ten  cents  be  allowed  for  the 
use  of  the  rail- way,  and  if  it  be  supposed  that  only 
five  tons  be  taken,  instead  of  eight,  the  cost  will  be 
for  each  ton,  the  twelve  miles,  forty-two  cents,or  three 
and  a  half  cents  per  mile ;  at  which  rate,  one  hun- 
dred and  forty  miles  (a  greater  distance  than  be- 
tween Oswego  and  Lewiston,  along  lake  Ontario) 
would  come  to  four  dollars,  ninety  cents,  being  thirty- 
five  cents  less  than  the  freight  now  paid. 

A  question,  however,  of  more  importance  presents 
itself  Admitting  that  it  were  easy  to  complete  a 
boat  navigation  from  Rome  to  lake  Ontario,  and  more 
difficult  and  expensive  (in  comparison)  to  effect  a 
canal  navigation  to  lake  Erie,  would  it  not  be  advisa- 
ble to  descend  into  lake  Ontario,  rather  than  encoun- 
ter the  difficulty  and  expense  of  the  other  course .? 

The  commissioners  believe  it  would  not ;  and  with- 
out relying,  as  they  might,  for  support  of  their  opi- 
nion, on  the  comparative  expense  of  transportation, 
(a  topic  which  will  find  a  better  place  elsewhere,) 
it  is  sufficient  to  say,  here,  that  articles  for  exporta- 
tion, when  once  afloat  on  lake  Ontario,  will,  gene- 
rally speaking,  go  to  Montreal,  unless  our  British 
neighbours  are  blind  to  their  own  interest;  a  charge 
which  ought  not  lightly  to  be  made  against  a  com- 
mercial nation. 

Freight  from  Niagara  to  Oswego  will,  from  the  diffi- 
cult and   dangerous  access  to  that  harbour,  be  as 


(  i  ) 

high  as  to  the  head  of  the  rap^ids  in  the  river  St.  Law- 
rence. The  desce^it  from  thence  to  Montreal  is  less 
than  the  ascent  from  Oswego  to  Some.  5t  is  true  that 
the  lakeODtario  is  estimated  at  one  hundred  and  nine- 
ty six  feet  above  tide  water,  and  the  Rome  level  only 
one  hundred  riod  eighty-four  feet  above  the  lake : 
but  there  is  a  considerable  descent  in  the  river  St. 
Lawrence,  in  a  distri.fee  of  about  seventy  miles,  to 
the  lower  end  of  the  present  sloop  navigation,  through 
which  the  current  is  sometimes  strong.  There  is 
also  a  considerable  descent  from  Montreal,  in  a  dis- 
tance,of  about  thirty  miles  to  tide  water  in  the  lake 
St.  Peter's.  Perhaps  it  will  be  found  that  an  average 
allowance  of  three  inches  per  mile,  (in  the  whole, 
upwards  of  twenty  feet)  is  not  two  much,  and  that 
the  river  at  Montreal  is  not  one  hundred  and  seventy 
feet  below  the  upper  surface  of  the  Gallot's  rapids. 
In  the  distance  of  one  hundred  miles  between  these 
places,  there  are  forty  of  still  water,  viz.  about  thirty 
in  lake  St.  Francis,  between  the  foot  of  Long  Saat 
and  the  head  of  the  Coteau  du  Lac  rapid,  and  up- 
wards of  ten  in  the  lake  of  the  Two  Mountains,  be- 
tween the  foot  of  the  cascade  at  the  cedars,  and  the 
La  Chine  rapid. 

Thus  there  will  remain  but  sixty  miles  of  canal, 
with  an  average  fall  of  thirty-four  inches  per  mile. 
The  land  decends  proportionately  to  the  water,  so 
that  there  can  be  but  little  deep  cutting;  the  soil  is 
easy  to  dig;  there  are  no  streams  or  ravines  of  any 
consequence  to  cross ;  and  there  is  an  inexhaustible 
supply  of  pure  water,  which  never  varies  much  in  its 
height,  for  any  canal  whatever. 

Under  circumstances  so  propitious,  it  is  probable 
that  a  good  sloop  navigation  from  above  the  gallots, 
to  Montreal,  would  cost  less  than  a  good  boat  navi- 
gation from  Oswego  to  Ftome.  The  extent  of  this 
last,  deducting  the  Oneida  lake,  is  fifty-six  miles; 
the  fall  is  on  an  average  near  forty  inches  per  mile ; 
the  supply  of  water  is  doubtful,  and  in  twelve  miles 
of  the  distance,  obstacles  almost  insurmountable  pre- 
sent themselves. 


(     5     ) 

These  are  facts  to  which  it  would  be  in  vain  for 
the  citizens  of  the  United  States  to  shut  their  eyes. 
The  eyes  of  a  rich  enterprising  commercial  rival 
are  open ;  and  when  it  is  considered  that  (if  the 
means  of  easy  export  be  supplied  to  the  inhabitants 
who  may  settle  near  the  great  lakes)  that  country 
will,  in  no  distant  period,  furnish  a  more  abundant 
stock  of  commodities  for  foreign  trade,  than  is  now 
sent  from  all  the  atlantic  ports  of  the  union — it  would 
be  absurd  to  doubt,  whether,  in  the  competition  for 
that  commerce,  our  neighbours  will  employ  the 
means  in  their  power.  Nor  must  it  be  forgotten,  that 
the  revenue  which,  under  present  circumstances,  is 
raised  from  commerce,  and  which  no  probable 
change  will  reduce  below  an  ad  valorum  duty  of  ten 
per  cent,  cannot  but  operate  in  favour  of  our  rivals. 
True  it  is,  that  as  far  as  regards  the  pecuniary  bene- 
fit of  those  who  may  settle  along  the  lakes,  the  route 
by  which  their  products  are  sent  abroad,  and  their 
supplies  of  foreign  articles  introduced,  must  be  to 
them  a  matter  of  little  consequence.  But  the  politi- 
cal connexion  which  would  probably  result  from  a 
commercial  connexion,  certainly  deserves  the  con- 
sideration of  intelligent  men. 

The  commissioners  have  no  doubt,  that  obstruc- 
tions at  the  mouth  of  Oneida  Lake  may  be  removed, 
so  as  to  lower  the  surface  of  that  lake  from  eighteen 
inches  to  two  feet,  at  no  great  expense,  and  with  lit- 
tle, if  any,  injury  to  the  navigation.  But  they  have 
not  been  able  to  satisfy  themselves  that  the  lands 
contemplated  in  the  petitions  which  the  joint  resolu- 
tions refer  to,  would  be  in  any  wise  affected  by  ope- 
rations at  the  mouth  of  Oneida  Lake.  According  to 
the  information  they  have  obtained,  these  lands  are 
inundated  by  the  waters  of  Butternut,  Limestone, 
Chitenengo,  and  Canaserago  Creeks,  obstructed  be- 
fore their  enterance  into  the  lake. 

In  respect  to  an  inland  navigation  direct  from  Lake 
Erie  to  Hudson's  River,  the  Commissioners  beg  leave 
to  refer  for  information  to  the  annexed  reports   and 


(     6     ) 

maps  of  Mr.  James  Geddes,  employed  at  their  re- 
quest by  the  surveyor-general  From  these  it  is  evi- 
dent that  such  navigation  is  practicable.  Whether 
the  route  he  sketched  out  will  hereafter  be  pursued  ; 
whether  a  better  may  not  be  found — and  other  ques- 
tions subordinate  to  these,  can  only  be  resolved  at  a 
future  time,  when  an  intelligent  man,  regularly  bred 
to  this  busiijess,  shall,  under  the  direction  of  those 
on  whom  the  public  may  think  proper  to  devolve  the 
superintendence,  have  made  a  more  extensive  and 
careful  scrutiny  than  the  time  and  means  of  the  com- 
missioners would  permit.  They  conceive,  however, 
that  it  may  not  be  improper  to  say  a  few  words  on 
the  topography  of  the  country,  which  may  be  divided 
into  three  parts,  nearly  equal. 

The  Mohawk  River,  as  is  well  known,  runs  in  a 
deep  ravine,  and  there  is,  generally  speaking,  along 
its  banks,  a  vale  of  rich  soil.  In  different  places, 
however,  spurs  from  the  neighbouring  hills  project 
themselves  to  the  edge  of  the  river.  On  the  north 
side,  fall  in  sundry  small  streams,  and  two  (the  east 
and  west  Canada  Creeks)  which  are  large  and  co- 
pious, especially  the  latter.  They  are  both  rapid, 
and  run  in  deep  ravines.  On  the  right  side,  also, 
there  are  several  tributary  streams.  The  most  con- 
siderable of  these  is  the  Schoharie,  which,  rising 
among  the  Catskill  mountains,  has  scooped  out,  with 
its  impetuous  waters,  a  wide  and  deep  ravine. 

The  stream  next  in  importance,  coming  in  from 
the  south,  is  the  Oriskany,  which  is  especially  valua- 
ble, because  it  enters  the  river  not  far  from  the  sum- 
mit level  at  Rome,  and  may,  perhaps,  become  useful 
as  a  feeder.  This  forms  the  first,  eastern,  or  river 
division,  in  which  navigation,  though  defective,  al- 
ready exists.  In  this  division,  with  proper  manage- 
ment, there  will  be  no  defect  of  water  for  a  boat  ca- 
nal, unless,  perhaps,  in  very  dry  seasons,  at  the  sum- 
mit level. 

The  second,  middle,  or  lake  division,  extends  from 
the  summit  level  westward  to  the  outlet  of  the  Canan- 


(     7     ) 

darque  Lake.  In  it  lie  four  lakes,  the  Otisko,  Ske- 
neateles,  Owasco,  and  Canandarque,  higher  than  any 
canal  which  may  be  extended  from  Lake  Erie  to  the 
Hudson,  and  furnishing  a  copious  supply  of  Avater. 
Of  the  two  largest  lakes,  the  Seneca,  increased  by  a 
stream  from  Crooked  Lake,  lies  nearly  on  the  same 
level  with  Rome,  but  the  Cayuga  much  lower. 

In  this  division  the  turnpike  road  crosses  high 
hills,  but  they  all  terminate  not  far  north  of  it,  leav- 
ing a  large  deep  valley,  upwards  of  eighty  miles 
long,  from  east  to  west,  and  about  twenty  wide  from 
north-west  to  south-east.  If,  indeed,  the  Cayuga  lake, 
embosomed  in  a  ravine  which  opens  to  the  north  on 
the  valley,  be  considered  as  part  of  it,  the  breadth 
will  be  fifty  miles.  In  this  valley  lie  the  Onondaga, 
Cross,  and  Oneida  Lakes.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north, 
by  a  dividing  ridge  of  land,  which  stretches  from 
near  the  Gerundegat  bay,  eastwardly,  to  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Rome,  where  it  joins  the  dividing  ridge 
north  of  the  Mohawk,  between  the  waters  of  the  St. 
Lawrence  and  those  of  the  Hudson. 

The  third,  western,  or  dry  division,  extends  from 
the  western  boundary  of  the  lake  Division  to  lake 
Erie.  In  this,  although  the  Genesee  river  runs  through 
it,  a  want  of  water  is  already  felt,  and  will  daily  be- 
come more  sensible,  as  the  country  is  cleared.  The 
Genesee  river,  itself,  is  a  torrent,  which,  however 
copious,  or  even  superabundant  it  may  be  in  the 
spring,  is  in  the  autumn  almost  dry.  This  tract  of 
country,  especially  after  passing  the  Flats  of  the 
Genesee,  may,  with  little  violence  to  the  propriety 
of  language,  be  called  a  plain :  and  here  it  may  be 
proper  to  notice  a  peculiarity  in  the  shape  of  the 
northern,  and  much  of  the  western  part  of  the  state, 
which  distinguishes  it  widely  from  the  country  lying 
south-east  of  the  mountains. 

The  descent  from  the  dividing  ridge,  northward, 
is  generally  by  a  gradation  of  plains,*  nearly  hori- 

■  *  The  word  plains  might  lead  into  error.  It  is  therefore  proper  to  state,  that 
hills  are  scattered  about,  which  vary  the  surface  to  the  eye.  But  on  examina- 
tion, it  will  be  found  that,  generally  speaking,  their  bases  are  all  on  the  same 
extended  plain. 


(     8     ) 

zontal.  These,  and  the  streams  by  which  they  are 
watered,  have  a  similar,  and,  as  it  were,  a  simulta- 
neous descent.  Thus  the  rivers  are  but  a  k,ind  of  lakes, 
lying  in  plains,  and  communicating  by  talis  and  ra- 
pids with  each  other.  These  gradations  have  some* 
times  a  small  rise,  immediately  before  descent;  at 
other  times,  in  ascending  from  one,  we  come  imme- 
diately to  the  other.  In  no  case  is  the  peculiarity 
of  shape  more  worthy  of  remark,  than  at  the  cata- 
ract of  Niagara.  In  coming  from  lake  Erie,  where 
the  sight  cannot  reach  over  the  expanded  surface, 
proceeding  along  the  level  bank  of  the  Niagara  river, 
to  the  head  of  the  rapids  immediately  above  the  Falls, 
and  thence  pursuing  a  northern  course,  the  traveller 
ascends  but  thirty-eight  feet  before  he  descends 
three  hundred  and  forty-five  to  the  plain  in  which 
lake  Ontario  is  stretched  out,  from  east  to  west,  up- 
wards of  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles.  The  surface 
of  lake  Erie  is  three  hundred  and  twenty-nine  feet 
above  that  of  lake  Ontario,  which  being  taken  from 
the  whole  descent  just  mentioned,  leaves  for  the  rise 
of  land  between  those  two  great  reservoirs,  but  six- 
teen feet. 

This  rise,  and  others  similar  to  it,  are  called  by  the 
inhabitants,  the  ridge,  the  ledge,  the  slope,' and  the 
hill.  A  more  proper  general  appellation,  perhaps, 
IS,  the  steep,  though  occasionally,  by  the  elevation 
each  way,  it  becomes  truly  a  ridge,  or  from  the  hori- 
zontal strata  of  stone,  as  truly  a  ledge.  In  some 
places  the  descent  is  by  a  gentle  slope ;  in  others, 
more  precipitous,  and  in  some,  almost  perpendicular. 
Two  of  these  extend  eastward  from  the  shore  of 
Niagara  river  nearly  parallel  to,  and  distant  from  each 
other  about  fourteen  miles.  The  higher,  or  southern 
steep,  commences  at  Black  Rock,  where  the  river 
issues  from  lake  Erie.  The  northern  commences  at 
the  Falls,  and  after  an  eastern  course  of  fifty  or  six- 
ty niiles,  bends  towards,  and  approaches  the  south- 
ern, after  which  they  both  take  a  southern  direction 
for  thirty  miles,  but  return  again  on  the  east  side  of 


(     9     ) 

the  Genesee :  or  to  speak  more  correctly,  that  river, 
after  breaking  through  them  by  successive  falls  of 
sixty  and  ninety  feet,  thirty  miles  south  of  the  high 
road,  in  the  township  of  Leicester,  runs  in  a  ravine 
to  the  northern  part  of  that  township;  when  the 
steeps  again  diverge,  the  southern  stretching  east- 
wardly  to  the  west  side  of  Seneca  lake,  and  then 
southerly,  to  the  high  grounds  from  whence  flow  the 
waters  of  the  Tioga  ;  while  the  other  keeps  an  east- 
ern direction,  to  the  hills  from  whose  southern  declivi- 
ties flow  the  Chenango  and  Unadilla.  There  is  ano- 
ther steep  still  more  north,  which  branches  out  from 
that  last  mentioned,  near  the  eighteen  mile  run,  (a 
stream  whose  mouth  is  at  that  distance  from  that  of 
the  Niagara  river,)  and  diverging  northward,  is  for 
some  distance  in  its  eastern  progress  indistinct.  It 
extends,  however,  to  the  lower  Falls  of  the  Genesee, 
and  is  there  crossed  by  that  river,  as  also  beyond  it 
by  streams,  which  fall  into  the  Gerundegut  bay; 
after  which  it  becomes  properly  a  ridge,  and  extends 
beyond  the  falls  of  Oswego  river,  as  has  been  already 
mentioned.  Of  these  three  steeps,  ledges,  or  ridges, 
the  most  southern  is  distinguished  by  limestone  mix- 
ed with  flint.  The  middle,  by  the  same  stone  mixed 
with  shells,  and  the  most  northern,  by  freestone 
and  slate.  Over  the  southern  steep,  west  of  the 
Genesee,  fall  Ellicot's  brook  and  the  Tanewanto, 
(which  enter  Niagara  river  by  the  same  mouth  oppo- 
site toGrand  Island,)  also  Allen's  brook,  which  makes 
at  its  passage  the  Buttermilk  Falls,  and  runs  to  the 
Genesee.  Over  the  middle  steep,  in  the  same  divi- 
sion, falls  the  Oak-orchard  brook,  which  enters  lake 
Ontario,  about  thirty  miles  east  of  Niagara  river. 
The  lower  Falls  of  this  brook,  as  well  as  those  of 
the  Genesee,  are  over  the  northern  steep. 

The  Canesus,  the  Hemlock,  the  Honeyoyo,  the  Ca- 
nandarque,  and  the  Crooked  lakes,  lie  south  of  the 
southern  steep.  The  Seneca,  the  Owasco,  the  Skene- 
ateles,  and  Otisco  lakes,  lie  south  of  the  middle  steep. 


(    TO    ) 

North  of  which,  lie  the  Cayuga,  Onondaga,  Oneida, 
and  Cross  lakes. 

The  Tonawanta  falls  over  the  southern  steep  twenty- 
five  feet,  and  passing  the  village  of  the  same  name, 
runs  in  a  level  valley  of  brown  clay  upwards  of  twenty 
miles  to  its  mouth  in  Niagara  river. 

From  the  Tonawanta  village,  north-eastward,  in  less 
than  five  miles,  (chiefly  through  a  swamp)  the  Oak- 
orchard  brook  receives  the  waters  of  the  swamp,  and 
falls,  as  has  been  already  mentioned,  into  lake  Ontario. 
The  Tonawanta  brook,  three  feet  higher  than  the 
swamp,  is  separated  from  it  by  ground,  whose  eleva- 
tion is  not  more  than  five  feet ;  the  distance  is  short  of 
a  mile,  and  the  soil  being  clay,  it  will  be  easy  (hj 
turning  its  waters  into  Oak  orchard  brook)  to  convert 
the  Tonawanta  from  its  mouth,  upwards,  into  a  canal. 
It  has  above  eleven  miles  from  its  mouth,  a  depth  of 
twelve,  feet,  interrupted,  nevertheless,  by  five  bars, 
or  shallows,  composed  of  round  stones,  buried  in  clay. 
During  this  space,  the  breadth  is  in  general  forty 
yards,  though  in  the  narrowest  part  not  more  than 
thirty.  The  first  shallow,  about  three  miles  from  the 
mouth,  is  called  Miller's  Ford,  and  is  not  above 
twelve  yards  wide ;  the  next,  about  a  mile  beyond  it, 
called  Houses  Shallow,  extends  east  and  west  nearly 
one  hundred  and  twenty  yards,  the  depth  of  water 
from  two  and  an  half  to  three  feet.  Two  miles  further 
up,  is  Christman's  Rapid.  This  extends  east  and 
west  near  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  with  a  depth 
of  from  fifteen  to  eighteen  inches  :  at  this  rapid,  the 
fall  is  three  inches,  except  when  a  westerly  wind 
brir^gs  up  the  water  of  lake  Erie.  The  breadth  of 
the  Tonawanta  is  here  forty-eight  yards,  and  no  where 
below  it  less  than  forty. 

The  next  bar,  about  a  mile  from  the  last,  is  called 
"Van  ^lyke's  Shallow;  it  extends  forty-two  yards,  the 
depL-  ii  tii'o  shortest  place  twenty  inches,  but  in  gene- 
ral from  two  to  three  feet.  The  fifth  and  last  bar,  at 
eleven  miles  from  the   mouth  of  the  creek,  extends 


(  11  ) 

near  one  hundred  and  eighty  yards,  and  has  from  one 
to  tv^^o  and  an  half  feet  of  water. 

To  convert  this  water-course  into  a  canal  twelve 
feet  deep,  during  the  whole  distance  of  eleven  miles, 
will  require,  at  most,  an  excavation  of  eighty  thousand 
cubic  yards.  The  surface  here  is  four  inches  higher 
than  at  the  mouth,  which  is  five  feet  lower  than  the 
surface  of  lake  Erie.  At  about  five  miles  and  a  quar- 
ter north  from  this  place,  in  the  middle  steep,  is  the 
source  of  one  branch  of  the  eighteen  mile  brook,  at  a 
distance  of  about  ten  miles  from  lake  Ontario, 
and  about  three  hundred  feet  above  its  surface;  conse- 
quently, near  thirty  feet  below  the  surface  of  lake 
Erie.  The  greatest  elevation  of  ground  between 
them  is  twenty-one  feet  above  that  surface ;  it  is, 
however,  on  an  average,  for  the  space  of  three  miles, 
twenty  feet,  and  the  remaining  two  miles  and  a 
quarter,  about  seven  feet. 

For  a  more  particular  knowledge  of  the  ground,  re- 
ference must  be  had  to  the  profile  made  by  Mr.  Ged- 
des,  and  which  is  hereunto  annexed.  It  is  self-evident, 
that  the  cost  of  excavation  per  cubic  yard,  must 
depend  on  the  substance  in  which  the  excavation  is 
made ;  it  must  depend,  also,  on  some  other  circum- 
stances. In  deep  cutting,  for  instance,  not  only  must 
there  be  wide  cutting,to  prevent  the  earth  from  falling 
in,  but  there  will  be,  generally  speaking,  more  labour, 
and  consequently  more  expense  in  moving  the  earth 
after  it  is  dug.  It  may  become,  therefore,  in  many 
cases,  more  advisable  to  pierce  the  earth  by  a  tunnel, 
than  to  take  down  the  top  of  a  hill. 

In  the  present  instance,  by  means  of  wooden  rail- 
ways, which  may  be  constructed  from  the  surrounding 
forests  for  temporary  purposes  at  a  trifling  expense, 
the  materials  may,  when  dug,  be  made,  as  it  were,  to 
transport  themselves  along  by  gentle  declivities,  to 
fill  that  part  of  the  ravine  through  which  the  canal  is 
to  pass. 

In  the  construction  of  canals,  when  recourse  is  had 
(as  must  generally  be  the  case)  to  rivers,  for  a  supply 


(    12    ) 

of  water,  it  is  found  necessary  to  guard  with  scrupu- 
lous care,  and,  not  unfrequently,  at  enormous  expense, 
against  those  floods,  which,  pouring  a  torrent  into  a 
canal,  and  tearing  down  its  banks,  might  at  once 
destroy  the  navigation  and  inundate  the  country. 

Moreover,  it  is  found,  that  canals  depending  on  ri- 
vers, frequently,  like  the  rivers  themselves,  want  wa- 
ter in  the  season  when  it  is  most  necessary.  Indeed, 
to  suppose  the  quantity  of  water  In  a  river,  when 
turned  into  a  canal,  will  remain  the  same,  would  lead 
to  serious  disappointment.  Much  must  be  allowed 
for  evaporation,  and,  notwithstanding  the  utmost  care, 
more  will  filter  through  the  sides  and  bottom  of  a  ca- 
nal, than  those  of  a  river,  which  are  generally  satu- 
rated. 

Thus,  then,  two  prominent  evils  present  themselves 
in  feeding  from  rivers,  viz.  In  spring,  they  pour  in 
too  much  water,  and  can  afford  none  in  autumn,  when 
it  is  most  wanted.  There  is  still  another  evil,  which, 
though  not  so  imminent,  becomes  eventually  of 
serious  moment.  When  the  country  shall  be  cultiva- 
ted, streams  swoln  by  showers  will  bring  down, 
mixed  with  their  waters,  a  proportion  of  mud,  and 
that,  in  the  stillness  of  a  level  canal,  will  subside, 
and  choke  it  up.  It  is  also  to  be  noted,  by  those 
who  shall  construct  canals  in  this  country,  that  the 
true  character  of  a  river  cannot  now  be  known. 
Large  tracts,  (for  instance,  west  of  the  Genesee,) 
which  appear  as  swamps,  and  through  which  cause- 
ways of  logs  are  laid  for  roads,  will  become  dry  fields, 
when  no  longer  shaded  (as  at  present)  by  forests 
impervious  to  the  sun. 

In  the  progress  of  industry,  swamps  (the  present 
reservoirs  of  permanent  springs  that  burst  out  on  a 
lower  surface)  will  be  drained,  whereby  many  of 
those  springs  will  be  dried.  Of  such  as  remain,  a 
part  will  be  used  to  irrigate  inclined  plains. 

Moreover,  in  every  place  tolerably  convenient, 
ponds  will  be  collected  for  mills  and  other  machine- 
ry, from  whose  surface,  as  well  as  from  that  of  the 
soil,  the  sun  will  exhale  an  ample  tribute  of  vapour. 


{    13    ) 

Thus  the  summer  supply  of  rivers  will  be  in  part 
destroyed,  and  in  part  consumed,  whereby  their  pre- 
sent autumnal  penury  must  be  still  farther  enhanced. 
But  in  the  spring  the  careful  husbandman  and  miller 
will  open  every  ditch  and  sluice  to  get  rid  of  that 
water,  which,  though  at  other  times  a  kind  friend  and 
faithful  servant,  is  then  a  dangerous  enemy  and  im- 
perious master.  Of  course,  much  of  what  is  now 
withheld  for  many  days,  will  then  be  suddenly  pour- 
ed out.  The  torrents  must  therefore  rage  with  great- 
er fury  hereafter  than  thej  do  in  the  present  day. 

Considerations  like  these,  while  they  cast  a  shade 
over  many  contemplated  enterprises,  give  by  contrast 
a  glowing  hue  to  that  which  we  have  now  to  con- 
sider. The  canal  from  lake  Erie  to  the  Hudson, 
may  be  fed  by  pure  water  from  lakes,  provided 
mounds  and  aqueducts  be  made  over  intervening 
valleys,  or  the  canal  be  carried  round  them.  In  every 
case  the  attending  circumstances  must  decide. 

In  general,  also,  it  is  only  after  a  more  accute  ex- 
amination of  the  ground  by  a  skilful  engineer,  well 
practised  in  such  business,  that  the  best  mode  can 
be  adopted  for  the  species  of  navigation  which  may 
be  ultimately  determined  on,  viz.  Whether  for  ves- 
sels which  navigate  Hudson's  river  and  lake  Erie,  or 
for  barges  of  from  twenty  to  sixty  tons. 

If  the  passage  were  only  of  a  few  miles,  the  proprie- 
ty of  bringing  vessels  of  eight  feet  draught  of  water 
across  (if  practicable)  would  be  readily  admitted. 
But  it  may  well  be  questioned,  whether,  to  save  the 
expense  of  lading  and  unlading  at  each  end  of  a  ca- 
nal three  hundred  miles  long,  the  expense  of  cutting 
two  yards  deeper  than  would  otherwise  be  necessary, 
ought  to  be  encountered. 

It  has  generally  been  assumed,  and  perhaps  too 
lightly  admitted.that  canals  should  be  made  on  a  per- 
fiectlevel.  This  axiom  would  not  be  questioned,  if  the 
transportation,  each  way,  were  of  equal  burden  ;  if 
the  distance  or  the  frequency  of  good  feeding  streams 
were  such  as  easily  and  constantly  to  supply,  without 


(  ^4  ) 

danger  of  excess,  the  incessant  waste  of  water  by  ab- 
sorption, leakage,  and  evaporatioli,  and  if  the  waters 
to  be  connected,  were  on  the  same  level.  But  in  a 
case  like  the  present,  rational  doubts  may  be  enter- 
tained. The  difference  of  level  being  upwards  of  five 
hundred  feet,  all  the  descent  which  can  prudently  be 
obtained  by  an  inclined  plain,  is  so  much  saved  in  the 
expense  of  lockage;  and,  in  all  human  probability, 
the  transportation,  for  centuries  to  come,  will  be  of 
so  much  greater  burden  from  the  interior  country, 
than  back  from  the  sea,  that  a  current  from  the  lake 
is  more  to  be  desired  than  avoided,  more  especially 
as  it  v/ill  in  some  degree  counteract  the  effect  of  frost. 
That  inexhaustible  stream  of  limpid  water  which  flows 
out  of  lake  Erie,  with  little  variation  of  height  to  en- 
danger the  canal,  is  a  strong  temptation  to  use  it  ex- 
clusively, until  auxiliary  supplies  can  be  drawn  from 
other  reservoirs  equally  pure.  Nor  is  it  improper 
in  this  case  to  remark,  that  it  is  impossible  there 
should  ever  be  a  considerable  variation  in  the  surface 
of  Niagara  river,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Tanawanta. 
No  supposable  fall  of  rain  or  melting  of  snow,  even  if 
both  were  to  take  place  at  the  same  time,  in  the  coun- 
try which  surrounds  the  great  lakes,  could  raise,  in 
any  considerable  degree,  their  extended  surface.  In- 
deed, we  know,  from  experience,  that  a  greater  diffe- 
rence of  elevation  at  the  mouth  of  lake  Erie  is  occa- 
sioned by  a  change  of  wind,  than  by  any  variation  of 
the  seasons.  Admitting,  however,  a  considerable  rise 
of  water,  no  matter  from  what  cause,  at  the  source  of 
Niagara  river,  it  cannot  suddenly,  from  the  narrow- 
ness and  shoalness  of  the  channel,  produce  a  corres- 
pondent rise  at  the  foot  of  the  Black  Rock  rapid; 
and  the  elevation  there  must,  in  the  nature  of  things, 
exceed  that  which  is  occasioned  by  it  fifteen  miles 
lower  down ;  more  especially  as  the  river,  including 
the  two  channels  round  Grand  Island,  has,  for  the 
greater  part  of  the  way,  nearly  three  times  the 
breadth  which  it  has  above.  If,  however,  it  were 
only  a  deep  bay,  the  water  pressed  forward  by  the 


(     15    ) 

wind,  would  be  piled  up  to  a  considerable  height ; 
but  instead  of  that,  the  river  here,  with  a  breadth 
fully  double  to  what  it  has  at  Black-Rock,  precipi- 
tates itseitover  the  first  ledge  in  its  headlong  course 
to  the  cataract :  so  that  an  increase  of  height  is  in- 
stantly counteracted  by  the  increased  rapidity  with 
which  it  rolls  over  the  rock. 

In  all  events,  it  would  be  advisable  to  use  this  water 
exclusively  for  a  great  part  of  the  way,  even  if  the 
country  afforded  other  resources  ;  and  to  this  ejQfect, 
there  must  be  some  descent  in  the  canal.  What  the 
precise  amount  of  that  should  be,  in  every  mile,  the 
commissioners  presume  not  to  say.  They  do  not 
pretend  to  sufficient  knowledge  on  the  subject,  and 
with  all  proper  deference,  refer  it  to  a  practical 
engineer. 

Nevertheless,  like  other  men  possessed  of  common 
discernment,they  perceive  not  only  that  the  quantity  of 
water  which  runs  in  a  given  time,  must  be  proportion- 
ate to  the  rapidity  with  which,  and  the  aperture 
through  which  it  passes ;  but  also  that  the  rapidity  it- 
self will  depend  not  merely  on  the  declivity,  but  also 
on  the  mass ;  because,  in  a  deep  and  wide  channel, 
the  friction  must  be  less  than  in  one  that  is  narrow 
and  shoal.  It  will  depend  also  on  another  circumstance, 
whose  effect  (that  single  cause  remaining  the  same) 
will  vary,  according  to  such  of  the  preceding  circum- 
stances as  may  be  connected  with  it.  Admitting,  for 
instance,  a  stream  to  be  deep  and  wide  in  descending 
an  inclined  plain,  its  velocity  will  be  accelerated. 
But  if  the  inclination  be  not  great,  and  the  channel 
shoal  and  narrow,  the  friction  may  so  counteract  the 
descent  as  to  retard  the  velocity. 

From  these  considerations  it  is  evident,  that  the  sum 
of  descent  must  depend  primarily  on  the  quantity  of 
water  required.  This,  in  navigation  ascending  and 
descending  by  locks,  must  be  greater  than  when  car- 
ried along  the  plain.  It  must  also  be  greater  in  a 
loose,  than  in  a  stiff  soil.  Moreover,  the  quantum  of 
descent  required,  must,  after  the  needful  supply  of 


(  le  ) 

water  is  ascertained,  depend  on  the  length,  the  width, 
the  depth,  and  finally  on  the  course  of  the  canal, 
whether  direct  or  serpentine.  And  here  the  same 
common  sense  presents  another  important  considera- 
tion. The  amount  of  rapidity  which  may  with  safe- 
ty be  hazarded,  will  depend  on  the  texture  of  the  sub- 
stance through  which  the  current  passes.  No  navi- 
gable velocity  can  injure  a  rock  of  granite ;  but  a 
gentle  current  will  sweep  off  the  substance  of  bog  mea- 
dow. In  like  manner,  banks  which  resist  when  the 
course  is  direct,  may  be. eaten  away,  and  the  current 
itself  be  retarded,  if  propelled  along  a  tortuous 
course. 

The  commissioners  cannot,  therefore,  too  often  re- 
peat, that  their  report  must  be  accepted  as  sugges- 
tions proceeding  from  a  superficial  view,  and  not  as 
conclusions  founded  on  sufficient  and  scientific  inves- 
tigation. After  this  preliminary  caution,  they  assume 
hypothetically  that  a  canal  were  run  in  such  manner, 
as  that  the  average  descent  were  six  inches  in  every 
mile.  Whence,  taking  the  surface  of  lake  Erie  as 
the  standard  level,  they  have  in  gross  the  following 
results : 

From  lake  Erie  to 

Miles.  Descent.    Total  descent    Actual  descent. 

The  mouth  of  Tanawanta,    10  5  feet  5feet       5  feet 


Genesee  river,  about  68  34    „  39 

Seneca  lake,  46  23  ,,^62 

Cayuga  lake,  6    3  „  65 

Rome  summit,  66  33  ^,  98 

Little  Falls  of  Mohawk,  88  J  9  „1I7 

Schoharie,  38  19  ,,136 

Height  of  land  between  )  0410     iar 

Schenectady  &  Albany,  )  " 

Hudson's  river,  14    7  ,,155 


65  „ 
145  „ 
195  „ 
145  „ 

r203  1-2 

L245  1-2V 

293  1-2,, 
220  „ 
525  „ 


310 


Casting  an  eye  on  the  map,   it  will  be  seen,  that 
the  first  difficulty  in  the  above  course  will  be,  to  cross 


(    25    ) 

the  Genesee  at  an  elevation  of  twenty-six  feet  above 
its  surface.  But  unless  the  canal  be  lowered  down 
to  that  river,  the  expense  of  an  aqueduct  cannot  be 
avoided ;  because,  from  the  upper  falls,  which  are 
too  high,  there  is  little  descent  to  the  lower  falls  ;  and 
if,  from  jny  cause,  it  be  advisable  to  cross  it  by  an 
aqueduct,  the  addition  of  a  foot  in  height  will  not 
much  increase  the  expense :  indeed,  considering  the 
swell  of  the  river  in  freshes,  an  elevation  short  of 
twenty  feet  would  scarcely  leave  sufficient  space 
under  the  arch. 

The  next  difficulty  will  be  in  crossing  the  mouth  of 
Seneca  Lake  by  an  aqueduct  eighty-three  feet  high. 
But  this  also,  if  a  convenient  place  can  be  found,  will 
not  be  important,  because  a  moderate  aperture  will 
suffice  to  void  the  equable  stream  from  that  lake. 

The  third  difficulty  is  at  the  mouth  of  Cayuga, 
where  the  elevation  is  one  hundred  and  thirty  feet. 
Even  ^his  might  be  encountered  without  any  unusual 
hardihood,  if  the  hills  approached  each  other.  But 
the  valley  to  be  crossed  is  not  much,  if  any  thing, 
short  of  a  mile ;  and  to  erect  a  mound  of  that  length 
and  of  the  sufficient  height  and  breadth,  is  an  hercu- 
lean labour.  Whether  it  will  be  performed,  must 
depend  on  the  arm  that  undertakes  this  task,  respect- 
ing which,  a  few  words  may  find  their  proper  place 
hereafter. 

Supposing,  however,  that  difficulty  to  be  surmount- 
ed, it  is  believed  that  none  will  remain  which  cannot 
be,  in  a  considerable  degree,  avoided  by  bending  oc- 
casionally to  the  southward,  and  returning  round  the 
northern  points  of  the  hills,  till  the  canal  is  brought 
opposite  to  Rome.  Its  elevation  there  above  the 
Mohawk,  will  be  forty-seven  feet,  or  less,  by  one  foot 
for  every  two  miles  that  it  may  be  lengthened.  The 
general  face  of  the  country  here,  leaves  no  room  to 
doubt  that  convenient  ground  can  be  discovered 
south  of  Rome,  at  an  elevation  of  forty  feet  above 
the   Mohawk.     How  far  it  may  be  practicable  be- 


(     26     ) 

tween  that  place  and  the  hills  east  of  the  Schoharie, 
must  be  decided  by  actual  survey. 

The  elevation,  if  not  in  other  respects  injurious, 
will  be  useful  in  passes  that  might  otherwise  ne- 
cessitate a  descent  to  the  Mohawk.  Thus,  at  the 
Little  Falls  at  that  river,  the  canal,  at  an  elevation  of 
eighty  feet  above  its  upper  surface,  may,  it  is  be- 
lieved, be  brought  through  or  round  the  hill  at  no 
enormous  expense.  The  still  greater  elevation  of 
one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  at  the  Schoharie,  will  per- 
mit of  a  considerable  bend  to  find  some  narrow  gorge, 
and  finally  an  elevation  of  seventy  feet  above  the 
height  of  ground  between  Schenectady  and  Albany, 
will  enable  the  engineer  to  choose,  for  the  course  of 
his  canal  and  the  position  of  his  locks,  the  most 
suitable  soil  and  convenient  situations.  In  a  word, 
if,  on  due  examination,  any  thing  of  this  sort  should 
be  found  practicable,  instead  of  depriving  the  coun- 
try of  water,  every  drop  of  which  is  needed  by  its 
inhabitants,  they  will  gain  a  great  addition  from  the 
canal ;  and  as  to  the  navigation,  singly  considered, 
there  can  be  no  doubt  but  it  must  in  that  way  be  su- 
perior to  a  waving  course  ascending  and  decending 
by  locks.  For,  not  to  mention  the  expense  of  con- 
structing and  keeping  them  in  repair,  the  time  spent 
and  tolls  paid  in  passing  them,  must  considerably  en- 
hance the  freight  of  goods.  But  if  there  be  no  lock- 
age, and  the  toll  be  no  more  than  is  needful  to  keep 
the  canal  in  repair,  it  will  amount  to  so  little,  as  not  to 
merit  notice  in  a  calculation  of  freight.  Rejecting 
it,  therefore,  and  allowing  two  horses  and  three  men 
to  take  a  boat  of  fifty  tons  burden,  twenty  miles  a  day, 
which  is  certainly  within  bounds,  and  putting  the 
whole  expense  at  five  dollars  on  the  lading,  down- 
ward, (leaving  the  return  load  as  profit,)  or,  which  is 
equivalent,  reducing  the  distance  one^half,  we  have 
fifty  tons  transported  ten  miles  for  five  dollars,  being 
one  cent  per  ton  pep  mile.  To  speak,  then,  in  round 
numbers,  it  will  cost  three  dollars  to  bring  a  ton  from 
Lake  Erie  to  Hudson's  river,  being  little  more  than 


(    27    ) 

one  half  of  what  is  now  paid  for  freight  on  Lake  On- 
tario, between  Oswego  and  Lewiston.  Without  en- 
tering into  calculations  (which  every  person  can  easi- 
ly make  for  himself)  to  enumerate  the  bulky  articles 
which  will  derive  value  from  such  facility  of  trans- 
portation, it  may  be  proper  in  this  place  to  recur 
again  to  the  commercial  competition  with  our  British 
neighbours. 

A  tolerable  good  navigation  up  and  down  the  St. 
Lawrence,  already  exists ;  but  the  cheapest  rate  at 
which  transportation  has  been  performed  within  the 
last  ten  years  between  Kingston  and  Montreal,  ac- 
cording to  the  best  information  the  commissioners 
have  been  able  to  obtain,  is  one  dollar  per  hundred, 
ascending,  and  half  as  much  descending  the  river. 
But  admitting  the  freight  could  be  so  reduced  as  to 
be  on  a  level  with  that  between  Albany  and  New- 
York  ;  admitting,  also,  that  the  transportation  across 
Lake  Ontario  could  be  performed  as  cheaply  as 
through  the  proposed  canal,  and  even  admitting  that 
the  risk  on  that  lake,  and,  of  course,  the  premium  of 
insurance,  were  nothing,  still  it  would  follow,  that 
transportation  from  the  head  of  Lake  Ontario  to 
Montreal,  would  cost  as  much  as  from  the  mouth  of 
Tonewanto  to  New-York,  leaving  a  preference  to  the 
latter  of  the  cost  of  land  carried  from  Chippeway  to 
Queenstown.  Moreover,  nature  has  given  (other 
things  being  equal)  a  decided  preference  to  the  port 
of  New-York.  There  are,  generally  speaking,  six 
weeks  of  navigation  from  Albany,  in  the  spring,  be- 
fore vessels  can  with  safety  leave  Montreal  to  de- 
scend the  River  St.  Lawrence,  and  as  many  more  in 
the  autumn,  after  the  mouth  of  that  river  closed. 

The  navigation  from  New-York  is  seldom  obstruct- 
ed ;  so  that  produce  deposited  there,  can  be  sent  to 
market  during  five  months,  in  which,  at  Montreal,  it 
lies  a  dead  weight  on  the  hands  of  the  owner.  This 
circumstance  is  of  especial  importance  in  regard  to 
wheat  and  flower,  which  can  be  sent  from  New-York 
so  as  to  be  sold  in  the  south  of  Europe,  before  those 


(    28    ) 

articles  can  be  brought  from  the  Baltic,  or  gathered 
in  the  country :  whereas,  if  shipped  from  Montreal 
in  the  month  of  May,  they  cannot  reach  Spain  or 
Portugal  until  after  supplies  are  received  from  Dant- 
zic,  and  but  a  short  time  before  the  harvest,  which  is 
early  in  July. 

Thus,  it  is  evident  that  the  canal  will,  if  properly 
effected,  turn  to  the  United  States  the  commerce  of 
the  upper  lakes.  Moreover,  a  side  cut,  of  five  or  six 
miles,  would,  by  means  of  locks,  connect  it  with 
Lake  Ontario,  in  the  harbour  of  the  Genesee;  and  in 
like  manner,  a  connexion  would  be  established  with 
the  Seneca  and  Cayuga  Lakes,  from  the  heads  of 
which,  the  short  portage  by  good  roads  to  Newtown 
and  Owego,  opens  a  communication  through  the 
Susquehannah  to  the  Chesepeake.  Nor  is  it  improba- 
ble, that  by  running  up  on  the  west  side  of  the  Cayu- 
ga, means  may  be  found  to  establish  water  communi- 
cation with  the  Susquehannah;  from  the  great  bend 
of  which,  a  good  and  short  road  may  be  made  to 
the  Delaware. 

Thus  a  variety  of  markets  may  be  opened  to  stimu- 
late and  reward  the  industry  of  those  who  are  now, 
or  may  be  hereafter  settled  along  the  great  lakes, 
whose  shores,  exclusive  of  Lake  Superior,  are  up- 
wards of  two  thousand  miles,  surrounded  at  conve- 
nient distance  by  more  than  fiftymillion  acres  of  land. 

To  the  question.  What  will  the  proposed  canal 
cost  ?  it  is  not  possible  to  answer  with  any  thing  like 
precision.  Indeed, preliminary  points  are  to  be  ad- 
justed ;  and  of  these,  the  first  is,  whether  it  is  to  be 
made  for  sloops  or  barges.  The  expense  of  the 
former  will  be,  it  is  believed,  at  least  double  that  of 
the  latter.  Another  question,  whether  it  is  to  be  car- 
ried along  an  inclined  plane,  or  by  a  line  ascending 
and  descending,  must  be  decided  by  a  comparison 
of  the  expense  and  of  the  utility  each  way.  In  gene- 
ral, however,  it  may  be  satisfactory  to  the  honourable 
the  senate  and  assembly,  to  receive  the  information 
which  the  commissioners  feel  no  hesitation  in  giving ; 


(    29    ) 

that,  as  far  as  they  have  been  able  to  extend  their  in- 
quiry, there  is  no  part  of  the  civihzed  world,  in 
which  an  object  of  such  great  magnitude  can  be 
compassed  at  so  small  an  expense.  Generally  speak- 
ing, the  course  is  through  a  tract  of  country,  the  ex- 
cavation whereof  will  be  easy,  and  there  is  at  certain 
convenient  distances  from  the  spots  where  it  may  be 
wanted,  a  sufficiency  of  freestone  as  well  as  of  lime- 
stone, with  a  superabundance  of  fuel.  The  subsist- 
ence of  men,  also,  and  of  cattle,  will  be  abundant 
and  cheap.  The  wages  of  the  former  are,  as  is  well 
known,  high ;  but  measures  may  certainly  be  devised 
to  obtain  the  labour  for  so  great  a  public  work  more 
cheaply  than  is  practicable  in  private  operations  on 
a  small  scale.  But  the  commissioners  beg  leave  to 
observe,  that  no  supposable  expense  can  bear  an 
undue  proportion  to  the  value  of  the  work.  Thus, 
were  it  (by  giving  a  loose  to  fancy)  extended  to  fifty 
millions  of  dollars,  even  that  enormous  sum  does  not 
exceed  half  the  value  of  what,  in  all  human  proba- 
bility, and  at  no  distant  period,  will  annually  be  car- 
ried along  the  canal.  The  more  proper  question, 
perhaps,  is,  in  what  time  can  it  be  effected ;  for  if  an 
annual  sum  be  appropriated,  and  secured  on  a  solid 
fund,  it  will  be  effected  in  time,  and  the  greater  the 
sum,  the  shorter  will  be  the  period. 

The  Commissioners  have  no  doubt  but  that  good 
bargains  for  the  public  may  be  made  with  those 
through  whose  land  the  canal  shall  pass ;  and  they 
have  great  pleasure  in  stating,  that  generous  offers 
have  already  been  made,  by  many  proprietors,  the 
acceptance  of  which  must  necessarily  be  deferred  to 
the  moment  when  the  business  assuming  a  more  sub- 
stantial form,  shall  be  committed  to  superintendents 
duly  authorized  to  treat.  Enough  has  been  said  to 
show  that  no  accurate  estimate  of  the  expense  can 
as  yet  be  made.  To  give  some  general  notion,  how- 
ever, it  may  be  assumed  that,  in  common  cases, 
labourers  ought  to  dig  and  remove,  to  a  reasonable 
distance,  eight  cubic  yards  per  day.     The   excava- 


(    30    ) 

tion  may  therefore  be  set  at  the  eighth  of  a  dollar 
per  cubic  yard.  An  average  breadth  of  fifteen  yards, 
and  depth  of  one  yard,  which,  by  means  of  the  mound 
on  each  side,  will  be  sufficient  for  four  and  a  half  to 
five  feet  of  water,  giving  for  each  yard  in  length  fif- 
teen cubic  yards,  may  therefore  be  taken  at  two  dol- 
lars, and  the  mile  at  3520  dollars  :  but  allowing  for 
the  obstructions  of  trees  and  roots,  not  less  than  4000 
dollars.  This  gives  for  three  hundred  miles,  one 
million  two  hundred  thousand  dollars.  The  excava- 
tion needful  to  bring  a  column  of  water  fifteen  yards 
wide,  and  two  yards  deep,  with  sufficient  descent 
from  the  Tonewanto,  through  the  middle  steep,  will, 
at  the  same  rate,  cost  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars.  Thus,  to  speak  in  round  numbers,  the  canal, 
alone,  might  cost  a  million  and  a  half,  drawn  through 
a  favourable  soil,  lying  conveniently,  without  the  op- 
position of  rocks  or  other  impediments.  Many  of 
these,  however,  must  be  expected,  and  will,  perhaps, 
double  that  sum.  Another  great  expense  is  that  of 
locks  and  aqueducts.  It  is  said  that  the  former  will 
cost  at  the  rate  of  one  thousand  dollars  per  foot  of 
ascent  for  a  vessel  of  fifty  tons.  This  is  believed  to 
be  a  low  estimate.  At  any  rate,  in  a  canal  like  the 
present,  there  must  be  a  double  set;  one  for  the  as- 
cending, and  one  for  the  descending  navigation.  Even 
then  it  is  to  be  feared  there  will  be  much  of  em- 
barrassment and  delay.  Thus,  the  lockage  being 
taken  at  two  thousand  dollars  per  foot,  for  three  hun- 
dred and  forty  feet  of  descent  and  ascent,  between 
Lake  Erie  and  Rome,  will  cost  six  hundred  and 
eighty  thousand  dollars,  should  that  waving  course 
be  deemed  advisable.  From  Rome  to  Hudson's 
river,  a  descent  of  three  hundred  and  eighty  feet, 
will  call  for  an  addition  of  seven  hundred  and  sixty 
thousand  dollars. 

If,  then,  the  locks  be  put  at  a  million  and  a  half,  it 
is  the  lowest  rate  which  can  prudently  be  supposed. 
It  would  indeed  be  safer  to  set  them  at  two  millions. 
There  will  still  remain  for  aqueducts,  embankments 
and  mounds,  a  considerable  expenditure,  which  can- 


(    31   ) 

not  at  present  be  ascertained.  To  estimate  the  ex- 
pense of  aqueducts,  it  may  be  advisable  to  put  the 
cubic  yard  of  masonry  at  two  dollars,  and  consider 
the  aqueduct  as  a  solid  mass.  It  is  true,  that  not 
more,  perhaps,  than  one-third  of  the  materials  re- 
quired for  a  solid  mass  will  be  used  ;  but  the  work- 
manship on  those  materials  will  be  much  more  costly. 
Many  of  the  stones  must  be  hewn,  and  many  clamp- 
ed together  with  iron.  Moreover,  the  expense,  when 
such  buildings  are  raised  to  a  great  height,  is  pro- 
portionately greater  than  when  nearer  the  earth.  An 
aqueduct  over  the  Genesee  may  perhaps  be  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  yards  long.  But  to  avoid  mistakes,  it 
will  be  more  advisable  to  suppose  two  hundred.  The 
height  above-mentioned  is  twenty-six  feet.  But,  as 
well  to  obviate  mistakes,  as  for  convenience  of  calcu- 
lation, it  may  be  taken  as  ten  yards,  and  in  order  to 
preserve  the  full  breadth  of  the  canal,  the  aqueduct 
liiay  be  considered  as  twenty  yards  wide.  Thus  we 
have  a  result  of  forty  thousand  cubic  yards  of  ma- 
sonry, which,  at  two  dollars,  will  require  an  expendi- 
ture of  eighty  thousand  dollars.  A  remark  which 
will  not  escape  the  most  cursory  observer,  is,  that  a 
single  set  of  locks  to  ascend  and  descend  five  and 
twenty  feet,  will  cost  fifty  thousand  dollars,  at  the 
lowest  estimation  ;  and  on  the  system  of  level  canals, 
the  descent  in  this  case  is  sixty -five  feet.  Excepting 
the  Genesee,  no  considerable  aqueduct  will  be  need- 
ful ;  because  the  streams  from  the  lakes  being  equa- 
ble, small  arches  may  be  turned  over  them,  and  the 
canal  be  carried  along  a  mound  of  earth.  The  ex- 
pense of  such  mound  must  depend  on  the  conve- 
nience of  obtaining  materials.  Where  hills  of  suffi- 
cient elevation  in  the  neighbourhood  give  the  advan- 
tage of  running  along  wooden  rail-ways,  or  where 
the  transportation  may  be  by  boats,  along  the  canal 
itself,  a  mound  will  cost  but  little,  compared  to  that 
which  is  raised  solely  by  the  labour  of  men  and  cattle. 
All  estimates,  therefore,  which  are  not  founded  on 
exact  local  knowledge,  must  be  vague  and  uncertain. 


(    32    ) 

Assuming,  however,  as  a  basis,  the  price  of  one  dol- 
lar for  eight  cubic  yards  ;  to  estimate  the  expense  of 
a  mound  over  the  Cayuga  lake,  one  hundred  and 
thirty  feet  high,  and  sixty  feet  wide,  on  the  top,  with 
an  inclination  of  five  and  forty  degrees,  in  the  descent 
of  the  side,  we  have  at  the  base  one  hundred  and 
ninety  feet,  giving  a  mean  width  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty -five ;  which,  multiplied  by  the  height  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty,  is  sixteen  thousand  two  hundred  and 
fifty  feet,  or  in  round  numbers,  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  square  yards.  These,  at  the  eighth  of  a 
dollar  each  cubic  yard,  will  cost  for  every  yard  of 
the  mound  in  length,  two  hundred  and  twenty-five 
dollars.  Allowing,  therefore,  two  thousand  yards 
instead  of  a  mile,  so  as  to  compensate  for  the  expense 
of  an  arch  two  hundred  feet  long,  with  a  span  of  fifty 
feet  over  the  stream,  and  for  other  contingencies,  the 
whole  cost  might  be  four  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars,  perhaps  half  a  million. 

Under  the  impression  resulting  from  these  observa- 
tions, it  is  believed  that  one  million  of  dollars  woiald 
provide  for  every  thing  of  this  sort,  so  as  to  bring 
the  canal  to  a  reservoir  near  Hudson's  river,  with- 
out locks,  for  four  millions  of  dollars:  a  descent 
there,  of  from  three  to  four  hundred  feet  by  locks, 
would  cost,  perhaps,  another  million  ;  or  if  it  should 
be  deemed  more  advisable  to  transport  by  rail-ways, 
the  water  used  for  machinery  would  probably  yield 
a  rent  sufficient  to  keep  the  canal  in  repair. 

But  hitherto,  this  navigation  has  been  contem- 
plated no  further  than  to  the  mouth  of  Tonewanta,  in 
Niagara  river.  From  thence  to  Lake  Erie,  is  ten 
miles,  and  the*  last  mile,  at  the  Black  Rock  rapid, 
is  said  to  have,  through  part  of  a  fall  which  is,  on  the 
whole,  four  feet,  a  rapidity  of  near  seven  miles  an 
hour ;  so  that  vessels  descending  below  it,  may  wait 
a  whole  season  for  wind  sufficiently   strong  to  get  up. 

This  obstacle,  though  great,  doe^  not  appear  insur- 
mountable. Perhaps  two  wharves,  similar  to  those 
which  surround  our  cities,  made  impervious  to  the 
water,  and  sunk  parallel   to   each  other  during  the 


(     3^     ) 

distance  of  one  mile,  with  two  pair  of  gates  similar 
to  those  of  dry  docks,  placed  so  as  that  the  upper 
one  being  shut,  there  shall  be  'still  water  from  below ; 
and  that  the  lower  one  shut,  will  make  still  water 
above,  may  fully  answer  the  end.  The  cost,  where 
wood  and  stone  are  so  abundant,  cannot  be  great ; 
and  as  wood  is  not  liable  to  rot  under  water,  nor  ex- 
posed in  fresh  water  to  the  ravages  of  worms,  the 
work  may  be  sufficiently  durable.  On  the  whole,  it 
is  conceived  that  the  expense  of  this  national  work 
may  be  five  million  of  dollars  ;  a  sum  which  does  not, 
it  is  presumed,  exceed  five  per  cent,  of  the  value  of 
the  commodities  which,  in  less  than  a  century,  it  will 
annually  transport,  should  it  be  now  commenced, 
so  as  duly  to  encourage  population  around  the  upper 
lakes. 

The  commissioners'hope  they  shall  be  excused,  if, 
in  this  place,  they  advert  to  a  question  more  impor- 
tant, perhaps,  than  any  other.  By  whom  shall  the 
needful  expense  be  supported  ? 

They  take  the  liberty  of  entering  their  feeble  pro- 
test against  a  grant  to  private  persons  or  companies. 
Too  great  a  national  interest  is  at  stake.  It  must  not 
become  the  subject  of  a  job,  or  a  fund  for  specula- 
tion. Among  many  other  objections,  there  is  one  in- 
superable :  That  it  would  defeat  the  contemplated 
cheapness  of  transportation.  It  should  always  on 
occasions  of  this  sort  be  recollected,  that  the  reasons 
adduced  for  grants  to  individuals  in  Europe  apply  in- 
versely here.  Few  of  our  fellow  citizens  have  more 
money  than  they  want,  and  of  the  many  who  want, 
few  find  facility  in  obtaining  it.  But  the  public  can 
readily,  at  a  fair  interest,  command  any  reasonable 
sum.  Moreover,  such  large  expenditures  can  be 
more  economically  made  under  public  authority, 
than  by  the  care  and  vigilance  of  any  company. 

It  remains  therefore  to  determine,  whether  this  ca- 
nal should  be  at  the  cost  of  this  state  or%f  the  Union. 
If  the  state  were  not  bound  by  the  federal  band  with 
her  sister   states,  she  might  fairly  ask  compensation 

5 


(     34     ) 

from  those  who  own  the  soil  along  the  great  lakes  for 
the  permission  to  cut  this  canal  at  their  expense  ;  or 
her  statesmen  might  deem  it  still  more  advisable,  to 
make  the  canal  at  her  own  expense,  and  take  for  the 
use  of  it,  a  transit  duty ;  raising  or  lowering  the  im- 
post, as  circumstances  might  direct  for  her  own  ad- 
vantage. This  might  be  the  better  course  if  the 
state  stood  alone.  But  fortunately  for  the  peace  and 
happiness  of  all,  this  is  not  the  case ;  we  are  con- 
nected by  a  bond,  which  if  the  prayers  of  good  men 
are  favourably  heard,  will  be  indissoluble.  It  be- 
comes proper,  therefore,  to  resort  for  the  solution  of 
the  present  question,  to  principles  of  distributive  jus- 
tice. That  which  presents  itself,  is  the  trite  adage 
that  those  who  participate  in  the  benefit,  should  con- 
tribute to  the  expense. 

The  commissioners  presume  not  to  go  one  step 
farther.  The  offers  of  individuals,  already  alluded 
to,  show  their  conviction  of  that  equity  by  which 
the  state  is  called  on  for  her  share.  The  wisdom 
as  well  as  justice  of  the  national  legislature,  will,  no 
doubt,  lead  to  the  exercise  on  their  part  of  prudent 
munificenGCL;  but  the  proportion,  the  conditions,  the 
compact  in  sliort,  must  be  the  result  of  treaty.  Whe- 
ther the  honourable  the  senate  and  assembly  will  take 
steps  towards  a  negotiation,  and  what  these  steps 
may  be,  it  is  in  their  wisdom  to  determine. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted, 
GOUV.  MORRIS, 
S.  V.  RENSSELAER, 
W.  NORTH, 
DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
THOMAS  EDDY, 
PETER  B.  PORTER, 
SIMEON  DE  WITT. 
February,  1811. 


&c. 


Report  of  the  Commissioners^  appointed  by  an  act  of  the 
Legislature  of  the  State  of  JVew-York,  entitled^  '''•An 
Act  to  provide  for  the  Improvement  of  the  Internal 
Navigation  of  the  State,''''  passed  April  Sth,  1811,  for 
the  consideration  of  all  matters  relating  to  the  said  inland 
navigation. 

REPORT, 

That,  in  obedience  to  the  directions  of  the  said  act, 
they  made  application  to  Congress,  and  to  the  Legisla- 
tures of  the  several  states  and  territories,  copies  of 
which  are  annexed  in  the  papers  marked  No.  1 ,  and 
No.  2.  They  conceived  it  proper  also,  to  address 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  on  the  subject  of 
their  appointment,  and  annex  a  copy  of  their  letter  to 
him,  No.  3. 

Moreover,  considering  the  magnitude  of  the  object, 
they  deemed  it  advisable  to  depute  two  of  their 
members  to  the  general  government,  with  their  letter 
to  the  President,  and  application  to  the  Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives.  A  copy  of  the  report 
made  by  that  deputation,  on  the  24th  of  last  month, 
is  also  annexed,  marked  No.  4.  It  appears  from  this 
report,  that  although  it  be  uncertain  whether  the 
national  government  will  do  any  thing,  it  is  certain 
they  will  do  nothing  from  which  immediate  aid  can 
be  derived.  The  deputation  found  itself  obliged,  by 
prudential  considerations,  not  only  to  blend  the 
navigation  between  Lake  Erie  and  Hudson's  river 
with  objects,  some  of  which  are  subservient  to  local 
interest,  but  to  refrain  from  asking  an  advance  or 
even  an  appropriation  of  money.  The  utmost 
they  hoped  to  obtain  was  a  grant  of  land  ;  a  grant  so 
limited  as  not  to  take  effect  until  after  the  canal  should 
be  completed,  at  the  expense  of  New- York. 


(     36     ) 

It  might  have  been  expected  that  so  moderate  a 
request,  coupled  with  the  offer  that  no  toll  should  be 
taken,  would  have  been  immediately  granted. 

The  motives  which  led  to  doubt  and  delay,  are 
unknown  to  the  commissioners ;  and  their  profound 
respect  for  those  to  whom  is  committed  the  conduct 
of  our  national  affairs,  forbids  them  to  hazard  a 
conjecture.  But  if  the  offer  had  been,  or  should  be 
accepted,  still  the  canal  is  to  be  made  by  the  state. 
So  that  if  the  bounty  of  Congress  had  granted  the 
entreated  boon,  it  would  have  been  merely  the 
purchase,  at  less  than  its  cost,  of  a  most  valuable 
object;  by  paying  for  it  a  tract  of  unsaleable  land. 

The  commissioners,  in  their  first  report,  took  the 
liberty  to  express  the  opinion,  that  an  offer  of  the 
canal  should  be  made  to  the  national  government; 
and  they  saw,  with  pleasure  and  with  pride,  that 
the  Legislature  (concurring  in  this  opinion)  adopted 
the  most  honourable  measures  for  inducing  the  United 
States  to  acquire  it.  But,  the  offer  made  and  not 
accepted,  the  state  is  at  liberty  to  consult  and  pur- 
sue the  maxims  of  policy.  These  seem  imperatively 
to  demand  that  the  canal  be  made  by  her,  and  for  her 
own  account,  as  soon  as  circumstances  will  permit. 
It  is  believed  that  a  revenue  may  be  derived  from  it, 
far  exceeding  the  interest  of  what  it  will  cost ;  and  it 
seems  just  that  those  of  our  citizens  who  have  no 
immediate  interest  in  the  work,  should  find  retribution 
for  their  share  of  the  cost  (if  any)  in  a  revenue  which 
will  lessen  their  future  contributions.  Whether  this 
subject  be  considered  with  a  view  to  commerce  and 
finance,  or  on  the  more  extensive  scale  of  policy, 
there  would  be  a  want  of  wisdom,  and  almost  of  piety, 
not  to  employ  for  public  advantage  those  means  which 
Divine  Providence  has  placed  so  completely  within 
our  power. 

The  commissioners  have  received  some  replies  to 
the  applications  they  made  to  the  states  and  territo- 
rie|.» 

The  Legislature  of  Tennessee,  on  the  16th  of 
November,  resolved  that  their  Senators  and  Represen- 


(     37      ) 

tatives  should  be  requested  to  support  any  laudable 
attempt  made  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
soliciting  the  aid  of  the  general  government  in  relation 
to  the  canal  navigation  between  Hudson's  river  and 
the  great  lakes. 

On  the  4th  of  November  the  Legislature  of  New- 
Jersej  say,  "  Although  we  feel  a  deep  interest  in 
promoting  every  attempt  to  open  a  communication,  by 
means  of  canal  navigation,  between  the  great  lakes 
and  the  navigable  rivers  running  through  the  Atlantic 
states ;  and  are  fully  sensible  that  such  communica- 
tion would  tend  to  enrich,consolidate,  and  strengthen 
the  Union;  yet  as  we  have, not  sufficient  within  this 
state,  already  projected,  and  deemed  of  the  first 
importance  to  our  immediate  prosperity,  it  would  not 
be  advisable  at  present,  to  lend  assistance  to  im- 
provements in  other  states.  And  although  we  antici- 
pate with  pleasure,  judging  from  the  enlightened 
policy  hitherto  pursued  in  extending  public  improve- 
ments by  our  national  government.that  the  time  is  not 
far  distant,  vrhen,  from  the  rapidly  increasing  wealth 
of  our  country,  the  vast  plans  of  extending  canal  navi- 
gation will  be  carried  into  effect,  so  as  to  form  a  chain 
of  communications  from  the  waters  of  the  Hudson 
river  to  the  great  lakes,and  from  the  lakes  to  the  Missis- 
sippi :  Yet,  as  that  period  has  not  arrived,  we  see  no- 
thing to  warrant  us  in  giving  instructions  to  our  repre- 
sentatives in  Congress,  as  to  the  measures  they  shall 
pursue,  when  this  subject  shall  come  before  them." 

The  Legislature  of  Connecticut,  at  a  general  as- 
sembly held  at  New-Haven,  on  the  second  Thursday 
of  G&tober,  resolved,  that  it  was  inexpedient  to  take 
any  measures  on  the  application  of  the  commission- 
ers appointed  by  the  State  of  New-York,  for  opening 
a  communication  by  means  of  a  canal  navigation  be- 
tween the  great  Lakes  and  Hudson's  river.  The 
reasons  assigned  by  the  committee  on  w^hose  report 
the  resolution  was  made,  were,  that  the  state  could 
not  supply  money,  and  (having  elected  able  men  to 
assist  in  the  councils  of  the  nation)  confided  national 


(     38     ) 

interests  to  the  unbiassed  judgment  of  those  whose 
duty  it  was  to  attend  to  them,  and  whose  means  of 
information  are  such  as  to  enable  them  to  perform 
that  duty  in  the  best  manner. 

The  Legislature  of  Vermont,  on  the  30th  and  31st 
of  October,  expressed  the  opinion  that  the  object  was 
well  worthy  of  consideration;  but  conceiving  the 
period  when  they  received  the  communication  to  be 
too  late  to  decide  on  a  subject  of  such  importance, 
they  postponed  the  further  consideration  to  their 
next  session. 

On  the  29th  and  30th  of  January,  the  Legislature 
of  Massachusetts,  with  the  impartial  and  dignified 
wisdom  of  conscious  greatness,  resolved  unanimous- 
ly, that  the  Senators  of  that  commonwealth  should 
be  instructed,  and  their  representatives  requested, 
to  use  their  influence  for  promoting,  by  all  reasona- 
ble encouragement,  (in  such  mode  as  Congress  in 
their  wisdom  might  direct,)  the  opening  of  a  commu- 
nication, by  means  of  a  canal  naWgation,  between 
the  great  lakes  and  Hudson's  river :  regard  being 
had  to  the  special  benefit  which  would  accrue  to  the 
State  of  New-York  from  the  accomplishment  of  that 
project. 

The  Legislature  of  Ohio,  also,  have,  as  will  be 
perceived  by  the  message  of  his  excellency  the  Go- 
vernor, fully  approved  of  the  plan. 

The  commissioners  have  moreover  received  a  pa- 
per, signed  Reuben  Attwater,  acting  governor  of 
Michigan,  A.  B.  Woodward,  J.  Witharell,  and  coun- 
tersigned, Jos.  Watson,  secretary,  which  is  of  the 
following  purport : — "  Whereas  the  commissioners 
of  internal  navigation  in  the  State  of  New-York  have 
addressed  to  the  Governor  and  Judges  of  the  Terri- 
tory of  Michigan,  certain  communications  relative  to 
a  canal  in  the  State  of  New- York,  which  being  con- 
sidered, resolved  unanimously,  that  in  the  opinion  of 
the  undersigned,  the  canal  contemplated  by  the  com- 
missioners of  internal  navigation  in  the  State  of 
Ne\T-York,  from  Black  Rock  to  Rome,  would  not  be 


(     39     ) 

SO  desirable  as  a  canal  round  the  cataract  of  Niaga- 
ra, and  another  by  the  falls  of  the  Oswego.  Passed 
the  tenth  day  of  January,  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred and  twelve." 

.  The  commissioners  have  too  much  respect  for 
these  gentlemen  to  suppose  they  would  have  given 
this  opinion  without  information  and  consideration. 
Wherefore,  they  must  infer  that  the  information  re- 
ceived was  not  founded  in  fact ;  or  that,  not  having 
habitually  turned  their  attention  to  objects  of  this 
sort,  they  are  not  so  well  qualified  to  judge,  as  the 
consciousness  of  intelligence  respecting  matters 
more  familiar  to  their  minds  may  have  led  them  to 
suppose.  The  commissioners,  previous  to  their 
former  report,  viewed  the  country,  caused  surveys  to 
be  made,  obtained  all  the  information  in  their  power, 
listened  to  the  reasons  on  either  side  with  impartial 
attention ;  and  although  they  have  not  the  vanity  to 
oppose  their  judgment  to  that  of  professional  men, 
persist  in  believing  that  the  conclusions  they  drew 
were  not  unfounded.  They  feel  so  much  the  more 
confidence  in  their  opinion,  as  it  accords  with  that  of 
Mr.  Weston,  whose  abilities  as  an  engineer  (in  this 
particular  department)  are  unquestioned.  To  that 
gentleman,  their  report  was  transmitted  by  one  of  his 
friends ;  and  in  reply  (after  treating  of  the  means  to 
obtain  sufl[icient  water  at  the  summit  level  of  Rome) 
he  says.  Supposing  your  fears  on  this  subject  to  be  re- 
moved, you  have  no  further  obstacles  to  encounter 
in  your  progress  westward,  until  you  arrive  at  Oswe- 
go falls.  From  thence  to  Oswego  is  the  great  work. 
1  know  not  whether  I  ever  declared  that  it  w^as  im- 
possible to  conduct  a  canal  by  this  route.  I  should 
rather  think  it  was  the  technical  term  unpracticable  ; 
of  course  restricted  in  the  sense  mentioned  in  the 
report;  and  under  those  limitations,  I  still  deem  it 
so;  and  such  I  am  persuaded  it  will  be  declared  by 
every  practical  professional  man.  But  supposing 
your  wishes  accomplished,  the  question  then  occurs, 
w'ould  the  trade  of  the  lakes  be  directed  into   this 


(     40     ) 

channel,  from  its  natural  one  down  the  St.  Lawrence, 
On  the  superior  facilities  afforded  by  this  river,  for 
the  transportation  of  produce,  I  perfectly  agree  with 
the  commissioners,  having  traversed  it  twice  between 
Kingston  and  Montreal,  and  each  time  viewed  it 
very  attentively.  I  can  therefore  assert  with  confi- 
dence, that  I  know  of  no  existing  navigation,  of  such 
extent,  which  can  be  rendered  perfect  at  so  small  an 
expense.  However,  should  your  noble  plan,  of 
uniting  lake  Erie  with  the  Hudson,  be  carried  into 
effect,  you  have  to  fear  no  rivalry.  The  commerce 
of  the  enormous  extent  of  country  bordering  on  the 
upper  lakes,  is  yours  for  ever;  and  to  such  an  in- 
calculable amount,  as  would  baffle  all  conjecture  to 
conceive." 

If  the  Michigan  gentlemen  were  alone  in  their  opi- 
nion, it  might  be  useless  to  say  any  thing,  seeing 
there  is  little  probability  that  any  contribution  will 
be  required  from  them.  But  there  are,  it  is  said, 
men  of  influential  character  who  preach  the  same 
doctrine.  To  this  effect  they  assume,  what  remains 
to  be  proved,  not  only  that  lock  navigation  by  the 
falls  of  Oswego  and  cataract  of  Niagara  is  practica- 
ble, but  that  it  is  both  cheaper  *  nd  better  than  a 
canal  direct  from  the  Niagara  to  the  Hudson  river. 
On  the  practicability  it  would  be  superfluous  to  add  a 
remark;  for  those  who  believe  they  can,  from  a  cur- 
sory view,  or  no  view  at  all,'  judge  better  than  such 
men  as  Mr.  Weston,  after  critical  examination  of  the 
ground,  will  hardly  expect  to  obtain  the  confidence 
of  others,  however  great  their  reliance  on  them- 
selves. Nevertheless,  these  gentlemen  are  entreat- 
ed seriously  to  consider  whether  it  be  prudent,  or 
even  honest,  to  hazard  misleading  those  who  think 
well  of  them,  and  thereby  involving  the  state  in 
great  and  fruitless  expense.  And  this  must  be  the 
consequence  of  undertaking  the  work  they  recom- 
mend. That  the  cost  will  be  great,  is  certified  by  all 
who  possess  competent  judgment  and  information. 
That  it  will  be  fruitless,  may  be  proved  by  facts  visi- 


'^' 


(    41    ) 

ble  to  every  one,  who  chooses  to  open  his  eyes.  In 
the  Gazettes  of  this  city  are  advertised  the  rates  at 
vrhich  goods  will  be  carried  from  the  ports  of 
lake  Ontario,  to  Ogdensburgh,  and  thence  to  Mon- 
treal. The  first  are  lower  than  have  heretofore 
prevailed  between  Lewistown  and  Oswego.  The 
second  are  fifty-five  cents  in  scows,  and  eighty-eight 
cents  in  boats  for  a  barrel  of  flour.  But  to  ascend 
Oswego  river  by  locks,  and  then,  after  crossing  Onei- 
da lake,  to  ascend  Wood  creek  in  boats,  which,  for  a 
great  part  of  the  way,  must  be  rowed  by  men,  would, 
it  is  believed,  cost  not  less  than  fifty  cents  per  bar- 
rel; because,  if  three  men  bring  up  thirty  barrels  in 
five  days,  at  fifty  cents  per  barrel,  they  would  earn 
only  one  dollar  per  day  each;  allowing  for  toll  no- 
thing, for  delay  while  waiting  for  freight,  nothing,  for 
wear  and  tear  of  the  boat,  nothing,  and  nothing  for 
the  return  empty,  if  no  freight  should  offer. 

Thus  it  seems  probable  that  produce  could  not  be 
taken  from  Oswego  to  Rome,  for  less  than  from  Og- 
densburgh to  Montreal;  so  that  the  communication 
which  professional  men,  after  due  examination,  con- 
sider as  impracticable,  unless  at  an  enormous  ex- 
pense, wholly  disproportionate  to  the  object,  but 
which  some  gentlemen  assume,  without  examination, 
to  be  very  simple,  would,  if  completed,  be  of  no 
avail.  Instead  of  drawing  to  us  the  trade  of  our 
neighbours,  it  would  turn  much  of  our  trade  to  them. 
Farmers  who  cannot  send  their  produce  by  land, 
from  beyond  Geneva  to  Albany,  must  carry  it  to  one 
of  the  few  bad  harbours  on  lake  Ontario,  thence  to 
wait  the  arrival  of  schooners  from  Ogdensburgh. 
But,  it  is  certain,  even  if  a  commerce  with  those  vast 
regions  which  surround  the  great  lakes,  be  put  out  of 
the  question,  that  the  inhabitants  of  our  western 
countries  must  be  greatly  benefited  by  a  navigable 
canal,  dug  at  a  distance  from  lake  Ontario.  Let 
the  mind  be  turned  to  a  tract  of  country,  fifty  miles 
wide,  and  stretched  out  east  and  west  on  the 
south  side  of  that  lake.     It  cannot  be  denied  that,  if 

6 


i^'t^-i; 


(     42     ) 

good  harbours  were  abundant  on  its  shores,  and  if 
the  adjacent  country  offered  good  roads,  the  ave- 
rage distance  of  land  carriage  must  be  at  least 
twentj-five  miles.  But,  inasmuch  as  the  harbours 
are  few,  it  must  be  sixty  or  seventy  from  many  parts 
of  the  tract.  Under  these  circumstances,  let  it  be 
supposed  that  a  canal  should  be  run  east  and  west 
through  the  middle.  As  that  would  be  accessible  in 
every  part,  it  is  evident  that  the  extreme  distance  of 
land  carriage  would  be  less  than  the  mean  distance  at 
present.  The  conclusion  is  so  clear,  that  to  say 
more  would  not  show  proper  respect  to  the  wisdom 
of  the  Legislature.  There  is  another  part  of  the 
subject,  however,  which  stands  in  close  connexion 
with  what  has  just  been  advanced,  and  which, 
coming  in  support  of  Mr.  Weston's  opinion  on  the 
effect  of  the  canal  in  securing  to  this  state  the  com- 
merce of  the  western  world,  it  would  be  unjust  to 
withhold. 

The  commissioners  pray  leave,  then,  to  revert  to, 
and  develope  the  basis  of  a  calculation  stated  in  their 
first  report.  Two  horses  can,  in  still-water,  draw  a 
boat  laden  with  fifty  tons  at  the  rate  of  two  miles  and  a 
half  in  an  hour;  wherefore  the  progress  in  eight 
hours  will  be  twenty  miles. — This,  then,  is  the  small- 
est distance  which  can  reasonably  be  expected  in 
one  day.  Now,  as  three  men  will  be  required  to 
manage  and  steer  a  boat,  the  daily  allowance  of  five 
dollars  may  be  made  for  men  and  horses,  being  one 
dollar  each;  and  that  is  surely  enough.  But  a  fur- 
ther allowance  must  be  made  for  use  of  the  boat,  pro- 
fit of  the  owner,  and  time  unavoidably  lost.  It  may 
be  well  to  appropriate  to  these  objects  all  the  return 
freight,  and  charge  the  whole  expense,  to  and  fro,  on 
what  may  be  called  the  export  cargo.  This  will,  of 
course,  double  the  amount,  and  bring  it  to  ten  dollars 
for  twenty  miles,  or  fifty  cents  per  mile.  Wherefore 
the  extent  of  what  it  can  cost  to  transport  fifty  tons 
one  mile,  on  a  canal,  being  fifty  cents,  the  rate  is 
one  cent  per  ton  per  mile.  To  this,  perhaps,  it  will 
be  objected,  that  experience  in  this  state  does  by  no 


(    43    ) 

means  justify  SO  low  an  estimate.  But  there  is  no 
such  experience,  for  there  is  no  canal  navigation  in 
the  state:  and  the  commissioners  have  ah-eady,  in 
their  first  report,  stated  the  objections  to  following 
rivers,  creeks,  brooks,  and  torrents,  by  the  main 
strength  of  men,  instead  of  drawing  boats  by  horses 
along  the  tranquil  surface  of  a  canal. 

Let  it  be  supposed  that  the  windings  of  a  canal 
will  so  far  exceed  those  of  the  present  road,  as  that 
the  length  from  lake  Erie  to  Hudson's  river  shall  be 
three  hundred  and  fifty  miles;  consequently,  that 
the  transportation  of  a  ton  will  cost  three  hundred 
and  fifty  cents.  To  this  let  two  hundred  and  fifty  more 
be  added,  for  toll,  the  amount  will  then  be  six  hun- 
dred cents  per  ton ;  and  taking  ten  barrels  of  flour  to 
a  ton,  the  transportation  of  each  barrel  will  cost  sixty 
cents.  If  to  this,  twenty  cents  be  added  for  freight 
to  New-York,  the  total  will  be  but  eighty  cents,  from 
the  port  of  discharge  on  lake  Erie,  to  the  commercial 
emporium  of  New-York,  and  the  risk  of  this  route 
is  so  trifling  as  not  to  merit  notice.  By  the  advertise- 
ment already  alluded  to,  it  appears  that  the  lowest 
price  of  freight  (and  for  part  of  the  way  in  hazardous 
craft)  is  ninety-three  cents  per  barrel  of  flour,  from 
Lewistown  to  Montreal.  Instead  of  adding  for  in- 
surance, let  something  be  taken  away,  and  let  it  be 
supposed,  that  hereafter,  both  freight  and  insurance 
shall  cost  but  ninety  cents,  even  then,  nine  barrels  of 
flour  will  be  taken  from  above  the  falls  of  Niagara 
to  New-York,  for  the  same  price  that  eight  can  be 
taken  now  from  below  those  falls  to  Montreal.  The 
expense  of  passing  from  lake  Erie  to  lake  Ontario 
must  be  added.  And  here,  let  it  be  asked,  what  kind 
of  locks  are  those  which  gentlemen  project  round  the 
cataract  of  Niagara.  Every  expense  which  may  be 
needful  to  facilitate  the  navigation  through  the  rapid 
at  Black  Rock  must  be  encountered,  in  the  one  case 
as  in  the  other.  But  when  alarge  vessel,  from  lake  Erie, 
shall  have  brought  her  cargo  to  within  a  small  distance 
of  the  cataract,  it  would  be  ridiculous  to  put  it  on 


(    44    ) 

board  of  small  boats  merely  to  descend  by  locks,  to 
lake  Ontario,  and  then  put  it  again  onboard  of  large 
vessels  to  cross  that  lake.  It  would  be  equally  ridicu- 
lous to  attempt  the  transportation,  on  either  lake,  in 
small  boats.  The  locks,  then  to  be  of  use,  must  be  such 
as  will  take  up  and  let  down  vessels  which  navigate  the 
lakes.  These  then  are  the  locks  which  the  state  is  de- 
sired to  make,in  the  expectation  thatafter  a  vessel  from 
the  upper  lakes  shall  have  descended  into  Ontario,she 
will  stop  at  the  difficult  and  dangerous  port  of  Oswego, 
instead  of  going  on  easily  and  safely  to  Ogdensburgh. 
The  inventors  and  abettors  of  this  project  may  have 
the  best  and  most  patriotic  intentions,  but  their 
scheme,  if  carried  into  effect,  would  increase  (by  the 
resources  of  New-York)  the  wealth  of  Canada  and 
the  power  of  Great-Britain.  Before  this  subject  be 
dismissed,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  compare  the  ex- 
pense of  transportation  on  a  canal  with  that  on  a 
turnpike  road.  The  cost  of  carriage  from  Albany 
to  Utica,  by  land,  is  seventy-five  cents  per  hundred, 
or  fifteen  dollars  per  ton.  Were  the  distance  one 
hundred  miles,  (which  it  is  not,)  one-fifth  of  it,  or 
twenty  miles,  would  cost  three  dollars,  and  forty 
miles  would  cost  six.  The  proposed  canal  will, 
then,  to  every  useful  purpose,  produce  the  same  ef- 
fect as  if  lake  Erie  were  brought  within  forty  miles 
of  Hudson's  river.  In  other  words,  the  great  lakes, 
those  inland  seas,  admitting  of  a  navigation  with 
vessels  of  the  largest  burden,  and  girt  by  shores  ex- 
ceeding two  thousand  miles,  would  be  connected  with 
the  Atlantic  by  a  portage  of  only  forty  miles.  The 
country  between  Hudson's  river  and  lake  Erie,  within 
twenty  miles  of  the  canal,  a  country  whose  natural 
advantages  are  not  surpassed  by  any  other  of  equal 
extent  on  the  globe,  would,  thus,  be  virtually  con- 
densed within  a  space  whose  medium  distance  from 
the  tide  waters  of  the  ocean  would  be  but  thirty 
miles.  Hence,  the  most  important  consequences  to 
the  prosperity  of  our  country  would  be  produced. 
Among  these,  as  an  item  worth  millions,  may  be 


(    4S    ) 

reckoned  the  saving  of  those  articles  which  would 
otherwise  not  be  produced,  or  would  be  suffered  to 
perish  from  the  impracticability  or  bringing  them  to 
market. 

It  is  impossible  to  ascertain,  and  is  difficult  to  ima- 
gine, how  much  toll  would  be  collected.  The  amount 
of  transportation  might  be  estimated  by  subjecting 
probabilities  to  calculation.  But,  like  our  advance  in 
numbers  and  wealth,  calculation  outruns  fancy. 
Things  which  twenty  years  ago  a  man  would  have 
been  laughed  at  for  believing,  we  now  see.  At  that 
time,  the  most  ardent  mind,  proceeding  on  establish- 
ed facts  by  the  unerring  rules  of  arithmetic,  was 
obliged  to  drop  the  pen  at  results  which  imagination 
could  not  embrace.  Under  circumstances  of  this 
sort,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  those  microcosmic 
minds  which,  habitually  occupied  in  the  considera- 
tion of  what  is  little,  are  incapable  of  discerning 
what  is  great,  and  who  already  stigmatize  the  pro- 
posed canal  as  a  romantic  scheme ;  will,  not  un- 
sparingly, distribute  the  epithets,  absurd,  ridiculous, 
chimerical,  on  the  estimate  of  what  it  may  produce. 
The  commissioners  must,nevertheless,have  the  hardi- 
hood to  brave  the  sneers  and  sarcasms  of  men,  who, 
with  too  much  pride  to  study,  and  too  much  wit  to 
think,  undervalue  what  they  do  not  understand,  and 
condemn  what  they  cannot  comprehend. 

Wise  legislators  will  examine  and  reason  upon 
facts.  Viewing  the  extent  and  fertility  of  the  coun- 
try with  which  this  canal  is  to  open  a  communica- 
tion, it  is  not  extravagant  to  suppose  that,  when  set- 
tled, its  produce  will  equal  the  present  export  of  the 
atlantic  states ;  because  it  contains  more  land,  and 
that  land  of  a  superior  quality. 

Those  who  contemplate  the  rapid  increase  of 
population,  especially  in  that  quarter,  must  be 
convinced  the  period  is  not  remote  when  those 
regions  will  be  cultivated.  Indeed  they  already  em- 
brace an  extensive  tract,  which  has  been  subdued  by 
the  arm  of  industry.    The  amount  of  articles  trans- 


(    46   ) 

ported  on  the  canal  which  will  be  consumed  at  home, 
must,  if  circumstances  should  preserve,  here,  the 
proportions  usual  in  similar  cases,  exceed  that  part 
of  them  which  is  sent  abroad.  Nevertheless,  with- 
out extending  our  view  to  the  commerce  of  other 
ports,  it  is  sufficient  to  take  the  simple  facts,  that 
upwards  of  250,000  tons  of  shipping  belong  to  this 
state,  and  the  value  of  domestic  produce  exported  is 
upwards  of  ten  million  of  dollars.  Now  250,000  tons 
of  goods,  at  forty  dollars  per  ton,  make  up  that  sum  ; 
and  grain  at  40  dollars  per  ton  will  not  average  less 
than  one  dollar  per  bushel.  Many  of  the  exported 
articles  are  unquestionably  more  valuable,  but  some 
are  less  valuable  than  grain.  Is  it  thenan  extravagance 
to  suppose,  that  the  present  export  of  domestic  pro- 
duce is  not  far  short  of  250,000  tons ;  and  that  it  will 
be  doubled  by  means  of  the  canal.  But  lest  this  as- 
sumption should  be  a  ground  of  cavil,  let  every  arti- 
cle of  domestic  consumption  be  added.  Will  it  then 
appear  improbable  that,  twenty  years  hence,  the  canal 
should  annually  bring  down  250,000  tons  ?  It  has  al- 
ready been  assumed,  that  a  toll  of  250  cents  per  ton 
should  be  taken,  which,  on  boats  going  and  returning, 
will  give  five  dollars  per  ton,  and  yield,  therefore,  one 
million  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars.  If  this 
sumbe  too  great,  let  one-fifth  be  struck  off  for  expenses 
and  diminution  of  toll  on  bulky  articles  of  little  value. 
A  million  remains.  Is  that  million  too  much,  take 
away  four  hundred  thousand ;  still  there  will  remain 
six  hundred  thousand  dollars ;  the  interest  at  six  per 
cent,  of  ten  million.  Should  the  canal,  therefore, 
cost  even  that  large  sum,  it  will  soon  pay  the  inte- 
rest, and  very  soon  afterwards,  by  natural  and  neces- 
sary increase,  discharge  the  principal.  Standing  on 
such  facts,  is  it  extravagant  to  believe  that  New- York 
may  look  forward  to  the  receipt  (at  no  distant  period) 
of  one  million  dollars  net  revenue  from  this  canal. 
The  life  of  an  individual  is  short.  The  time  is  not 
distant  when  those  who  make  this  report  will  have 
passed  away.    But  no  term  is  fixed  to  the  existence 


(    47    ) 

of  a  state;  and  the  first  wish  of  a  patriot's  heart  is  that 
his  own  may  be  immortal.  But  whatever  limit  may 
have  been  assigned  to  the  duration  of  New-York,  by 
those  eternal  decrees  which  established  the  heavens 
and  the  earth,  it  is  hardly  to  be  expected  that  she  will 
be  blotted  from  the  list  of  political  societies  before 
the  effects  here  stated  shall  have  been  sensibly  felt. 
And  even  when,  by  the  flow  of  that  perpetual  stream 
which  bears  all  human  institutions  away,  our  constitu- 
tion shall  be  dissolved  and  our  laws  be  lost,  still  the 
descendants  of  our  children's  children  will  remain. 
The  same  mountains  w^ill  stand,  the  same  rivers  run. 
New  moral  combinations  will  be  formed  on  the  old 
physical  foundations,  and  the  extended  line  of  remote 
posterity,  after  a  lapse  of  two  thousand  years,  and  the 
ravage  of  repeated  revolutions,  when  the  records  of 
history  shall  have  been  obliterated,  and  the  tongue  of 
tradition  have  converted  (as  in  China)  the  shadowy 
remembrance  of  ancient  events  into  childish  tales  of 
miracle,  this  national  work  shall  remain.  It  shall 
bear  testimony  to  the  genius,  the  learning,the  industry, 
and  intelligence  of  the  present  age. 

The  commissioners  will  not,  as  they  might,  dwell 
on  the  advantages  which  the  commerce  of  the  state 
must  derive  from  opening  a  scene  so  vast  to  its  inces- 
sant activity.  Neither  will  they  hint  at  the  political 
influence  which  must  result  from  holding  a  key  to  the 
commerce  of  our  western  world.  This  subject,  too 
delicate  for  discussion,  is  appropriate  to  the  high 
consideration  of  legislative  intelligence,  and  should 
not,  by  subordinate  agents,  be  approached  but  with 
prudential  respect. 

The  commissioners  beg  leave  to  advert  to  a  ques- 
tion which  comes  more  properly  within  their  sphere. 
What  will  this  canal  cost  ?  An  important  question, 
but  one  to  which  they  cannot  give  a  satisfactory 
answer.  They  have  taken  pains  to  extend  investiga- 
tion, increased  the  number  of  surveys,  and  accumu- 
lated the  knowledge  of  facts.    In  proportion  to  the 


(    48    ) 

information  acquired  is  their  conviction,  that  the  plan 
is  practicable,  and  that  the  probable  expense,  com- 
pared with  the  advantage,  is  moderate,  very  mode- 
rate ;  for  they  persist  in  believing  that  it  may  be  ac- 
complished for  five  or  six  million  of  dollars.  But  they 
have  neither  the  needful  information  on  vv^hich  to  cal- 
culate, nor  have  they  the  professional  ability.  Mr. 
Weston,  an  engineer  of  great  and  acknowledged  ta- 
lents and  experience,  who  has  already  been  employed 
in  that  capacity ,both  in  this  state  and  in  Pennsylvania, 
(in  the  letter,  a  part  of  which  has  already  been  cited) 
says, 

"  From  the  perspicuous  topographical  description, 
and  neat  plan  and  profile  of  the  route  of  the  contem- 
plated canal,  I  entertain  little  doubt  of  the  practica- 
bility of  the  measure.  Perhaps  this  is  the  only  ques- 
tion which  the  legislature  should  be  particularly 
anxious  to  have  resolved.  The  expense,  be  it  what  it 
may,  is  no  object  when  compared  with  the  incalcula- 
ble benefit ;  though  doubtless  it  will  deserve  atten- 
tion that  the  money  granted  be  wisely  and  economi- 
cally expended.  As  the  survey  already  made  is  only 
what  is  technically  called  a  running  level,  much 
allowance  ought  to  be  made  with  respect  to  elegibi- 
lity  of  the  route,  and  amount  of  descent.  Indeed,  to 
determine  the  proper  line  of  canal  will  require  the 
utmost  skill  of  the  professional  engineer.  Its  due 
performance  is  of  vital  importance.  A  small  mistake 
therein,  from  whatever  cause  arising,  may  occasion 
the  needless  waste  of  thousands.  Too  much  care 
cannot  be  taken,  in  the  first  instance,  in  exploring 
the  country  in  every  practicable  direction,  that  the 
final  decision  may  be  founded  on  the  result  of  a  com- 
parison of  the  different  routes,  as  combining  shortness 
of  distance  with  cheapness  of  execution.  The  ex- 
traordinary regularity  in  the  third  or  western  divi- 
sion, induces  me  to  concur,  without  hesitation,  in  the 
plan  recommiended  by  the  commissioners,  of  cutting 
the  canal  with  a  uniform  descent,  in  preference  to  the 
usual  mode  of  carrying  it  on  a  level.    It  is  true  that 


(    49    ) 

the  latter  custom  has,  almost  invariably,  been  adopt- 
ed in  Europe,  but  the  inducements  thereto  have  gene- 
rally been  the  scanty  supply  of  water  on  the  respec- 
tive summits,  the  shortness  of  the  different  levels,  and 
the  tolerably  equal  amount  of  tonnage  conveyed  in 
opposite  directions.  None  of  these  circumstances 
occur  in  the  instance  before  us,  for  the  supply  of 
water,  as  is  justly  observed,  is  pure  and  inexhausti- 
ble. The  length  of  line  from  the  mouth  of  the  Tone- 
wanta  to  Cayuga  river,  is  upwards  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  miles ;  an  extent  of  canal  without  lock- 
age, unequalled  by  any  now  in  existence ;  and  the 
chief  amount  of  tonnage  will  be  always  downwards. 
For  these  reasons  I  strongly  recommend  the  adop- 
tion of  the  plan." 

Without  taking  up  those  hypothetical  suggestions, 
which  present  themselves  on  such  an  occasion,  to 
one  whose  experience  of  difficulties,  whose  knowledge 
of  means,  and  whose  intellectual  resources  lead  to 
the  notice  of  things  which  escape  common  observa- 
tion, it  is  evident  that  the  commissioners  would  be 
unpardonably  presumptuous  should  they  pretend  to 
accuracy  of  calculation,  before  sufficient  materials 
are  collected  to  decide  the  judgment  of  a  profes- 
sional man,  such  as  Mr.  Weston.  In  speaking  of 
what  they  hazarded  in  their  first  report,  he  says,  'the 
allowance  of  twelve  and  a  half  cents  per  yard,  for 
common  cutting,  is  ample,  but  the  estimate  of  the 
average  quantity  of  earth  to  be  excavated,  is  under- 
rated.' He  thinks,  too,  that  the  obstructions  arising 
from  trees  and  roots,  are  greater  than  was  apprehend- 
ed. The  estimate  of  one  thousand  dollars  per  foot, 
for  lockage,  is,  he  says,  sufficient,  but  two  dollars 
per  cubic  yard,  for  such  masonry  as  would  be  re- 
quired for  aqueducts,  is  too  low ;  and  he  says,  that 
the  expense  of  double  locks,  though  great,  will  not, 
as  was  supposed,  be  inceased  in  a  twofold  ratio. 
The  commissioners  perceived  that  an  error  had  been 
made  in  their  first  report,  respecting  the  cost  of  an 
embankment  over  the  outlet  of  the  Cayuga  lake;  but 


(     50     ) 

there  is  no  need  of  correcting  it ;  because,  from  the 
surveys  of  last  season,  it  appears  that  the  ground 
between  that  and  the  Seneca  lake,  is  too  low  for  so 
high  a  level.     Unless,  therefore,  a  more  favourable 
route  can  be  discovered,  the  course  by  an  inclined 
plane  cannot  be  pursued  throughout,  and  it   may 
become  necessary  to  descend  eighty  or  ninety  feet, 
so  as  to  cross  the  outlet  of  the  Cayuga  by  an  embank- 
ment of  moderate  height.     In  this  case,  the  commu- 
nication from  lake  Erie  will  consist — 1st.  Of  an  in- 
clined plane  to  the  Seneca  outlet:  2d.  Of  a  descent 
by  locks  to  a  lower  line  :  3d.  Of  a  level  canal  as  far 
east  as  the  face  of  the  country  may  indicate :  4th.  Of 
an  elevation   at  the  end  of  it,  by  locks  to  the  Rome 
summit :     5th.  Of  a  level  canal  from  thence  to  where 
descent  may  become  needful:  And  6th.  Of  an  inclined 
plane  from  that  place  to  a  basin  near  the  Hudson  river. 
In  the  course  of  so  vast  a  work,  which  must  depend  on 
the  nature  of  the  soil,  it  may  sometimes  be  cheaper 
to  obtain  that  which  is  good,by  extending  the  distance, 
than  to  cure  natural  defects  on  a  more  direct  course. 
It  may,  in  some  cases,  also  be  advisable  to  avoid  deep 
cutting,  by  a  circuit,  and  in  others,  to  cut  deep  for 
a  shorter  line.     It  is  evident  that  the  commissioners 
cannot  make  a  correct  estimate.     It  is  nevertheless 
their  duty  to  present  the  best  which  their  informa- 
tion and  abilities  will  permit,  taking  care  that  their 
allowance  be  rather  too  high  than  too  low.     They 
assume,  then,  that  the  distance  may,  for  the  reasons 
assigned,  be  lengthened  to  three  hundred  and  fifty, 
instead  of  three  hundred  miles ;  or  that,  to  avoid  the 
additional  distance  and  expense,  equivalent  to  it  may 
be  encountered.  They  moreover  take  the  quantity  to 
be  excavated,  at  twice  what  was  mentioned  in  their 
first  report,viz.  at  thirty  cubic  yards,  instead  of  fifteen, 
and  (to  embrace  the   various   contingencies  which 
may  occur)  assume  the  cost  of  digging  at  near  twenty 
cents  per  cubic  yard,  instead  of  twelve  and  an  half, 
which  Mr.  Weston  (who  founds  his  opinion  on  ex- 
perience acquired  by  conducting  such  works,  in  this 
country)  considers  as  amply  sufficient  for  common 


(     51     ) 

cutting.  This  will  give  ten  thousand  dollars  for  every 
mile ;  a  smaller  sum  than  has  been  expended  by 
private  companies  in  the  United  States  on  some  turn- 
pike roads  ;  but  fully  sufficient,  it  is  believed,  to 
cover  any  expense  which  can  attend  that  part  of  the 
business. 

Thus  the  cutting  of  the  canal  would  cost  three 
millions  and  an  half.  A  descent,  by  double  locks,  of 
eighty  or  ninety  feet,  and  the  consequent  ascent  to 
regain  a  proper  level,  may  be  put,  in  round  numbers, 
at  half  a  million  more. — Together,  four  millions. 
The  embankment  over  the  Cayuga  outlet,  with  the 
needful  culverts,  may  cost  three  or  four  hundred 
thousand,  but  say  half  a  million,  and  set  the  exca- 
vation at  the  Tonewanta  at  three  hundred  thousand  ; 
the  aqueduct  over  the  Genesee,  with  many  smaller 
aqueducts  and  culverts,  at  two  hundred  thousand ; 
making  another  million :  to  which  one  more  may  be 
added,  for  works  at  Black  Rock  rapid,  a  basin  near 
the  Hudson ;  and  those  contingencies  which  neces- 
sarily attend  an  undertaking  of  such  magnitude ;  in 
the  whole,  six  million  dollars.  The  Commissioners 
may  be  mistaken,  but  they  have  no  reason  to  believe 
it  will  cost  so  much. 

They  hasten  to  the  examination  of  two  other 
points.  Has  the  state  sufficient  resources  ?  Ought 
the  business  to  be  undertaken  now,  or  postponed  to 
a  future  day  ?  On  the  resources  of  the  state  they 
would  speak  with  caution,  did  the  sum  bear  an 
important  proportion  to  her  wealth.  But  it  is  almost 
a  contradiction  in  terms  to  suppose  that  an  expen- 
diture of  five  or  six  million,  in  ten  or  a  dozen  years, 
can  be  a  serious  consideration  to  a  million  men 
enjoying  one  of  the  richest  soils  and  finest  climates 
under  heaven.  When,  in  addition  to  these  leading 
facts,  it  is  considered  that  there  is  scarcely  a  spot  on 
the  globe  which  possesses  such  advantages  for  com- 
merce, and  that  the  number  of  inhabitants  doubles  in 
twenty  years ;  the  facility  of  encountering  the  object 
proposed  by  immediate  taxation,  is  one   of  those 


(     52     ) 

evident  propositions  which  argument  may  rather 
obscure  than  elucidate.  If  the  facility  of  bearing 
such  a  trifling  weight  required  it,  proof  the  most  full 
and  complete  might  be  found  in  every  gazette.  It 
will  not  be  pretended  that  the  national  revenue 
(raised  by  indirect  tax  on  the  consumption  of  less 
than  six  million  of  souls)  was  oppressive,  though  it 
exceeded  twelve  million  of  dollars.  No  man  has 
been  galled  by,  none  has  felt  that  burden,  which 
amounts  (nevertheless)  to  two  dollars  a  head.  The 
share  paid  by  this  state,  therefore,  supposing  our 
average  consumption  to  be  the  same  as  that  of  our 
neighbours,  is  two  million ;  four  times  what  would  be 
required  to  make,  in  ten  or  a  dozen  years,  the  project- 
ed canal.  Or  let  the  subject  be  examined  in  another 
point  of  view.  The  increase  of  wealth,  in  this  state, 
has  been  (and  for  evident  reasons  must  be)  much 
more  rapid  than  the  increase  of  inhabitants.  The 
value  of  property  is  at  least  quadrupled  in  the  period 
during  which  population  is  doubled.  The  present 
amount  of  property  has  been  estimated  at  five  hundred 
million.  JPerhaps  it  is  more.  But  should  it  be  much 
less,  time  will  soon  bring  it  up  to,  and  immediately 
push  it  beyond  that  sum ;  which  may  therefore  be 
taken  as  the  standard.  Of  consequence,  it  follows, 
that  an  annual  tax  of  half  a  million  would  be  but  one- 
tenth  per  cent,  on  the  value  of  real  and  personal 
estate.  Take  the  matter  again  in  another  point  of 
view,  and,  admitting  that  the  rich  pay  the  portion  of 
tax  that  would  fall  on  the  poor  in  a  distribution  by 
poll,  which  (let  the  tax  be  laid  as  it  may)  must 
happen,  the  average  contribution  will  be  that  of  a 
family  in  medium  circumstances.  Wherefore,  as  a 
population  of  one  million  embraces  two  hundred 
thousand  families,  the  average  contribution,  to  raise 
a  revenue  of  five  hundred  thousand  dollars,  would  be 
five  dollars  from  two  families.  Half  of  that,  or  two 
hundred  and  fifty  cents,  is  then  the  sum  which  the 
head  of  a  family  in  easy  circumstances  would  be  call- 
ed to  pay,  if  money  were  raised  by  direct  tax  to  car- 


(     53     ) 

r  J  on  the  work.  In  that  case,  there  can  be  no  doubt 
that  a  wise  Legislature  would  open  sources  from 
which  adequate  revenue  could  be  drawn,  not  only 
without  injury,  but  even  with  the  advantage  to  the 
community.  But  of  this  there  is  no  necessity.  The 
credit  of  the  state  is  sufficient.  And  if  a  calculation 
were  made  on  principles  of  compound  interest,  it 
would  appear  that  the  sum  to  be  expended,  with  in- 
terest, until  the  canal  shall  yield  sufficient  revenue, 
will  not  exceed  what  that  income  would  discharge  in 
a  reasonable  time.  If  therefore  the  Legislature  say, 
let  it  be  done — it  will  be  done. 

But  shall  they  say  so  now  ?  Shall  it  be  done  now, 
or  shall  it  be  postponed  to  a  future  day  }  Those  who 
wish  to  postpone  are  respectfully  asked,  whether 
they  suppose  time  will  render  the  matter  easier? 
Will  it  alter  the  shape  of  the  country  }  Will  the  land 
to  be  used  for  the  canal  cost  less  when  it  shall  be 
planted  as  an  orchard,  tilled  as  a  garden,  or  covered 
by  a  house,  than  in  its  present  condition  ?  Will  tim- 
ber and  lime  be  cheaper  when  wood,  now  worth 
nothing,  shall  have  grown  dear  ?  Is  it  certain  that 
the  state  of  public  affairs  will  be  as  favourable  then 
as  now.'*  Will  not  a  fertile  imagination  invent  as  good 
reasons  for  postponement  then  as  now?  And  to  what 
day  shall  it  be  postponed  ?  Must  it  be  to  the  day 
when  a  Legislature  shall  have  that  patriotism  which 
the  idea  of  postponement  presupposes  the  present  Le- 
gislature to  want?  The  commissioners  reply  with  pain 
to  arguments  which  imply  insult.  Who  is  there  so 
base  as  not  to  repel  the  charge  of  selfishness  ?  what 
man  so  cold  as  not  to  feel  the  dignified  desire  of  im- 
mortalizing his  name,  by  contributing  to  a  monument 
of  national  magnificence,  unequalled  by  any  thing 
on  earth  ? 

A  state,  in  its  corporate  capacity,  is  an  invisible, 
intellectual  existence.  If  that  to  which  we  belong 
could  be  reduced  to  personal  identification,  could  it 
become  an  individual,  or  (that  being  impossible) 
could  we  suppose  an  individual  to  be  owner  of  the 


(     64     ) 

state,  what  should  we  think  of  his  understanding  did 
he  hesitate  to  double  the  value  of  his  property,  and 
increase  his  revenue  threefold,  without  labour,  with- 
out expense  !  Yet  such  is  the  present  case,  unless  it 
can  be  called  an  expense  to  run  in  debt  for  an  ob- 
ject which  will  pay  both  principal  and  interest  be- 
fore the  debt  falls  due.  Or  suppose  this  individual 
to  be  an  infant,  would  his  guardians  do  their  duty, 
should  they  let  slip  the  golden  opportunity  so  to  pro- 
mote the  interest  of  their  ward?  But  the  Legisla- 
ture is  guardian  of  the  state. 

The  foregoing  reflections  lead  to  one  of  the  duties 
enjoined  on  the  commissioners.  They  were  direct- 
ed to  apply  to  the  proprietors  of  land  through  which 
the  canal  may  be  carried,  for  cessions  to  the  people 
of  this  state.  Such  applications  have  been  made, 
and  they  have  no  doubt  that  the  proprietors  will  con- 
tribute in  just  measure.  Some  grants  would  have 
been  already  made,  but  for  difficulties  in  the  form 
originally  proposed,  and  from  a  desire  that  they  should 
be  proportionate  to  the  tracts  the  grantors  respec- 
tively hold. 

The  commissioners  have  also,in  execution  of  the  du- 
ties imposed  by  the  act,  endeavoured  to  ascertain 
whether  loans  for  the  object  of  it  can  be  obtained 
on  the  credit  of  this  state.  They  find  that,  notwith- 
standing the  scarcity  of  money  consequent  on  the 
war  which  has  so  long  raged  in  and  ravaged  Europe, 
a  loan  of  five  million  dollars  can  be  obtained,  there, 
on  the  credit  of  the  state,  for  a  term  of  ten  or  fifteen 
years,  at  an  annual  interest  of  six  per  cent. 

The  commissioners  have  inquired  the  terms  on 
which  the  western  inland  lock  navigation  company 
will  surrender  their  rights.  They  ask  one  hundred 
and  ninety  thousand  dollars  for  the  shares  held  by 
them,  exclusive  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  shares 
held  by  the  state.  This  being  thought  too  much, 
they  were  urged  to  confine  their  demand  within  such 
moderate  bounds  as  might  be  acceptable.  Copy  of 
their  reply,  of  the  13th  February,  is  in  the  paper 
marked  No.  5,  hereunto  annexed. 


(     55     ) 

The  commissioners  have,  in  obedience  to  the  di- 
rections of  the  act,  sought  for,  and  will  employ  a  ca- 
pable engineer  as  soon  as  a  suitable  character  can 
be  procured.  None  but  a  man  of  the  first  rate  ta- 
lents, tried  integrity,  and  approved  experience,  can 
be  relied  on  for  that  previous  investigation  which  is 
indispensable.  In  the  mean  time,  they  have  employ- 
ed surveyors  to  continue  their  search  of  the  best  pro- 
bable route. 

It  was  not  within  the  circle  of  their  duty  to  ascer- 
tain the  conveniences  presented  by  nature  for  an  in- 
ternal navigation  northward ;  wherefore,  although 
there  can  be  no  doubt  that  an  examination  of  the 
country ,with  that  view,  might  be  useful,  they  forebore 
the  attempt.  In  that  quarter  lies  a  large  and  fertile 
territory,  peculiarly  our  own — moreover,  it  will  be 
seen  by  the  bill  annexed  to  the  report  of  the  depu- 
tation sent  to  Washington,  that  a  communication,  by 
means  of  a  canal,  between  Lake  Champlain  and  Hud- 
son's river,  is  one  of  those  things  which  are  deemed 
of  national  importance.  It  would  certainly  tend  to 
preserve  brotherly  affection  in  the  great  American 
family ;  and  the  reciprocal  advantages  which  it  would 
procure  to  New-York  and  Vermont,  would  strength- 
en the  bands  of  our  union  with  the  eastern  states,  so 
conducive  to  our  mutual  prosperity. 

All  which  is  humbly  submitted, 

GOUV.  MORRIS, 
S.  V.  RENSSELAER, 
DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
SIMEON  DE  WITT, 
W,  NORTH, 
THOMAS  EDDY, 
ROBERT  R.  LIVINGSTON. 
Albany^  Manh^  1812. 


(     56     ) 


DOCUMENTS    ACCOMPANYING    THE    REPORT  OF  THE 
COMMISSIONERS. 


[No.l.  ] 


COPY  OP  THE  APPLICATION  MADE  TO  THE  CONGRESS  OF 
THE  UNITED  STATES. 


To   the   Honourable  the  Senate  and  House  of  Represen- 
tatives of  the  United  States,  in  Congress  : 

The  undersigned,    Commissioners  of  the  State  of  JVew- 
Yo^k,  respectfully  represent: 

That  by  a  law,  of  which  they  have  taken  the 
liberty  to  transmit  an  exemplified  copy  to  the  Presi- 
dent, they  are,  among  other  things,  directed  to  make 
application  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  for 
their  co-operation  and  aid  in  making  a  canal  naviga- 
tion between  the  great  lakes  and  Hudson's  river ; 
which,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Legislature  of  New- 
York,  will  encourage  agriculture,  promote  commerce 
and  manufactures,  facilitate  a  free  and  general  in- 
tercourse between  different  parts  of  the  United 
States,  tend  to  the  aggrandizement  and  prosperity  of 
the  country,  and  consolidate  and  strengthen  the 
Union. 

To  these  powerful  incentives,  we  feel  it  a  duty  to 
add  our  conviction,  that,  in  a  fiscal  point  of  view, 
this  object  is  not  unworthy  of  public  regard,  seeing, 
that  by  a  good  navigation  from  the  lakes  to  the  ocean, 
and  by  that  alone,  the  speedy  sale  of,  and  payment 
for  many  million  acres  of  the  public  lands,  can  be 
effected. 

We  might  add  other  considerations;  but  as  doubts 
may,  in  the  course  of  the  business,  arise,  and  expla- 
nations be  required,  we  have  deemed  it  advisable 
to  depute  two  of  our  members,  Gouverneur  Morris  and 
De  Witt  Clinton,  to  be  the  bearers  of  this  application 


(    57    ) 

to  the  seat  of  government,  with  instructions  to  enter, 
from  time  to  time,  into  all  needful  expositions. 

We  criave,  on  the  part  of  the  state  of  New-York, 
the  credence  and  favourable  notice  of  their  repre- 
sentations. 

And,  as  in  duty  bound,  shall  ever  pray,  &;c. 


[No.  2.] 

Copy  of  the  Application  made  to  the  different  States  and 
Territories. 

Sir, 

By  a  law  of  the  state  of  New-York,  of  which  we 
do  ourselves  the  honour  to  enclose  to  your  Excellency 
an  exemplified  copy,  we  are  directed  to  apply  to  the 
Congress  of  the  United  States,  or  to  the  Legislature 
of  any  State  or  Territory,  to  co-operate  and  aid'in 
opening  a  communication,  by  means  of  a  canal  navi- 
gation, between  the  great  lakes  and  Hudson's  river. 

The  good  sense  of  the  state,  over  which  you,  sir, 
preside,  will  readily  perceive  the  benefit  which  must 
result  from  such  navigation.  But  whatever  may  be 
the  peculiar  advantages  which  locality  may  give  to 
particular  parts  of  the  United  States,  we  feel  a  con- 
viction, that  the  general  advantage  to  the  whole  nation 
is  of  such  preponderating  influence,  as  to  render  the 
present  object  of  principal,  if  not  exclusive,  concern 
to  the  national  legislature. 

The  state  of  New-York  is  not  ignorant  of  the  special 
benefit  which  she  might  secure  to  herself  by  holding 
in  her  own  hands  the  best  communication  between 
the  territory  around  the  lakes  and  the  Atlantic  ocean ; 
neither  is  she  so  devoid  of  enterprise  or  resource, 
as  not  to  open  that  abundant  source  of  influence  and 
revenue. 

But  she  is  disposed  rather  to  grant,  than  withhold 
accommodation,  and  not  only  to  enter  into  every 
reasonable  stipulation,  but  to   give  the  aid  of  her 

8 


(    58    ) 

legislative  authority  to  those  measures  which,  in  pro- 
secution of  the  business,  may  be  found  needful. 

There  are  two  modes,  Sir,  by  which  your  state  may 
contribute  to  this  great  work  ;  by  pecuniary  appro- 
priations, and  by  that  influence  in  the  councils  of  the 
Union,  to  which  she  is  entitled.  The  former  mode 
will  certainly  not  be  unacceptable.  Whether  the 
money  granted,  shall  be  in  the  form  of  a  gift  or  a  loan, 
will,  of  course,  depend  on  the  ulterior  consideration, 
whether  the  canal  is  for  ever  to  be  free,  or  whether, 
being  made  at  the  expense  of  New-York,  it  shall  be 
subject  to  such  transit  duties  as,  from  a  regard  to  her 
special  interest  or  convenience,  she  may,  from  time 
to  time,  think  proper  to  impose.  In  the  former  case 
the  bounty  of  your  state  will  be  patriotically  offered 
and  frankly  received.  Loans  may,  in  both  cases,  be 
useful. 

But  what  appears  to  us  most  suitable  to  the  occa- 
sion, and  which,  therefore,  we  most  earnestly  solicit, 
is,  the  exercise  of  your  state  influence  in  the  public 
councils  of  our  country,  to  provide  for  the  whole 
expense  of  this  canal ;  which,  to  use  the  pertinent 
expressions  of  the  law  under  which  we  act,  will  en- 
courage agriculture,  promote  commerce  and  manu- 
factures, facilitate  a  free  and  general  intercourse 
between  different  parts  of  the  United  States,  tend  to 
the  aggrandizement  and  prosperity  of  the  country, 
and  consolidate  and  strengthen  the  Union. 

We  take  the  liberty  to   request  that  your  Excel- 
lency will  have  the  goodness  to  communicate  this 
application  to  the  legislature  of  your  state,  and  give 
it  that  aid  which  it  may,  in  your  opinion,  deserve. 
With  perfect  respect, 
We  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


(    59    ) 

[  No.  3.  ] 
Coj^y  of  a  Letter  to  the  President  of  the  United  States. 


Sir, 

The  enclosed  exemplification  of  a  statute,  passed 
the  eighth  of  last  April,  will  show  that  we  are  em- 
powered to  make  application,  on  behalf  of  the  State 
of  New- York,  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
on  the  subject  of  a  canal  between  the  great  lakes 
and  Hudson's  river. 

An  object  of  such  general  concern  seems  to  be 
within  the  scope  of  that  information  which  is  to  be 
communicated  to  the  National  Legislature  by  the 
President  of  the  United  States ;  and,  therefore,  we 
deem  it  our  duty  to  place  it  in  your  hands. 

We  do  not  assign  reasons  in  its  support,  because 
they  will  not  escape  your  penetration ;  neither  do  we 
solicit  your  patronage,  because  we  rely  on  your  pa- 
triotism. It  is  submitted  to  your  consideration  in  the 
most  simple  form,  and  we  have  charged  two  of  our 
members,  Gouverneur  Morris  and  De  Witt  Clinton, 
to  give  you,  Sir,  in  presenting  this  letter,  the  personal 
assurance  of  that  respect,  with  which 

We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

Your  most  Obedient  Servants. 


[  No.  4.  ] 

REPORT    OF    THE  COMMISSIONERS  APPOINTED    TO    ATTEND 
AT  THE  SEAT  OF  THE  ©ENERAL  GOVERNMENT. 

Your  Committee^  appointed  to  attend  at  the  Seat  of  the 
General  Government^  for  the  purpose  of  forwardino-  the 
Memorial  respecting  the  projected  Canal,  beg  leave  to 

REPORT, 

That  they  proceeded  to  the  seat  of  the  general 
government,  by  the  way  of  Lancaster,  where  they 


(    60    ) 

took  measures  to  obtain   the   concurrence   of  the 
Legislature  of  Pennsylvania. 

On  the  twenty-first  of  December,  they  waited  on 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  found  him, 
although  he  expressed  himself  to  be  an  enthusiast  as 
to  the  advantage  of  interior  navigation,  by  means  of 
canals,  embarrassed  by  scruples  derived  from  his  in- 
terpretation of  the  constitution.  At  the  close  of 
their  visit,  however,  he  was  in  a  better  disposition, 
which  is  evidenced  by  his  message  to  Congress,  of 
the  twenty-third  of  Depember,  a  copy  whereof  is  an- 
nexed. 

On  the  twenty-fourth  they  attended  at  the  treasury 
office,  and  found  the  Secretary  desirous  of  perform- 
ing this,  and  other  works  of  a  similar  nature,  con- 
formably to  the  plan  which  he  had  reported  at  the 
preceding  session. 

He  was  of  opinion  that,  under  present  circum- 
stances, pecuniary  aid  would  not  be  given;  but  that 
sufficient  grants  of  land  might  be  now  made  without 
inconvenience  to  the  fiscal  concerns  of  the  Union. 
And  these  grants  be  afterwards  redeemed  by  cash, 
when  the  treasury  should  be  in  a  more  prosperous 
condition. 

Your  committee  found  an  idea  prevailing  with 
some,  and  zealously  inculcated  on  others,  that  it 
would  be  wise  so  to  amend  the  constitution,  as  ex- 
pressly to  authorize  the  general  government  to  in- 
corporate banks  and  make  roads  and  canals  without 
consent  of  the  states. 

This  suggestion  arose,  they  believe,  from  a  desire 
to  resuscitate  the  national  bank;  it  being  presumable 
that  gentlemen  who  had  declared  the  old  charter  to 
have  been  unconstitutional,  could  not  be  prevailed 
on  to  grant  a  new  one.  It  appeared,  therefore,  to 
your  committee,  that  the  proposed  amendment  be- 
ing intended  to  get  clear  of  difficulty  respecting  the 
bank,  other  objects  were  introduced  rather  as  a  con- 
venient cover  than  as  needful  concomitants. 

Whatever  may  be  the  case  with  respect  to  banks, 


(    61    ) 

the  proposed  amendment,  so  far  as  regards  roads  and 
canals,  appeared  to  your  committee  worse  than  use- 
less; because  the  power  to  apply  national  treasure 
to  such  objects,  with  consent  of  the  respective  states, 
is  unquestionable,  and  so  far  as  relates  to  roads,  has 
been  sanctioned  by  frequent  usage.  On  the  subject 
of  banks  and  roads,  nevertheless,  they  did  not  find 
themselves  called  on  to  express  their  sentiments,  but 
felt  a  duty  to  declare,  on  all  proper  occasions,  a  de- 
cided opinion  that  the  states  would  not  consent  to 
vest  in  the  national  government  a  power  to  cut  up 
their  territory,  for  the  purpose  of  digging  canals. 

Your  committee  found  another  idea  operating  with 
baleful  effect,  though  seldom  and  cautiously  express- 
ed. The  population  and  resources  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  furnish  no  pleasant  reflections  to  men, 
whose  minds  are  imbued  with  state  jealousy;  and 
although  the  proposed  canal  must  not  only  be  of  the 
highest  importance  to  the  western  states,  as  well  as 
to  the  states  of  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland,  and 
greatly  promote  the  prosperity  of  the  whole  Union, 
it  was  obvious  that  an  opinion  of  its  superior  benefit 
to  this  state  was  sedulously  inculcated.  An  opinion, 
which  there  is  reason  to  fear,  will  have  but  too  much 
influence  in  every  consideration  of  this  subject. 

Although  the  President's  message,  above-mention- 
ed, together  with  the  petition  of  the  board  of  com- 
missioners, was  immediately  referred  to  a  large  com- 
mittee; it  was  not  until  after  a  lapse  of  sixteen  days 
(viz.  on  the  eighth  of  January)  that  your  committee 
was  summoned  to  attend. 

Mark&t)f  reluctance  were  perceptible,  but  in  the 
close  of  the  conference,  a  disposition  to  consider 
the  subject  more  fully  and  more  favourably  prevail- 
ed :  still,  however,  it  was  evident  that  the  object  of 
this  state  would  not  be  separately  attended  to. 

Your  committee  were  desired  to  prepare  a  gene- 
ral system;  and  they  had  already  learned  in  the 
course  of  their  conversations  with  individuals,  that 
unless  something  was  done  for  many  of  the  states, 


(    62    ) 

the  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives could  not  be  obtained. 

After  the  meeting  just  mentioned,  your  committed 
proceeded  to  the  Treasury  office,  conferred  with  the 
Secretary,  and  conformably  to  his  ideas,  fixed  on  a 
tract  of  land,  to  be  appropriated  to  the  objects  in 
contemplation.  In  the  evening  of  the  tenth,  they 
again  met  the  committee  of  Congress,  and  submitted 
to  their  consideration  the  draft  of  a  bill,  embracing 
the  principal  object  contained  in  the  Secretary's  re- 
port, already  referred  to,  of  vrhich  bill  a  copy  is  an- 
nexed. 

On  the  fifteenth  of  January,  the  committee  of  Con- 
gress determined  to  report  in  favour  of  canals,  and 
appointed  a  sub-committee  to  prepare  that  report. 
Thus  the  main  difficulties  seemed  to  be  surmounted, 
and  there  was  good  ground  to  believe,that,if  the  report 
should  be  brought  speedily  before  the  House  of  Re- 
presentatives, the  assent  of  a  majority  would  be  ob- 
tained. But  the  sub-committee,  for  reasons  which, 
though  unknown,  are  presumed  to  have  been  weigh- 
ty, delayed  the  report,  notwithstanding  the  solicita- 
tions of  one  of  your  committee,  who  remained  until 
the  twenty-sixth,  in  the  hope  of  being  able  to  prevail 
on  them  to  accelerate  their  movements,  and  not  to 
adopt  every  amendment  which  might  be  proposed,  in 
order  to  conciliate  the  opinion  of  the  proposer;  a 
dangerous  course,which  frequently  loads  a  reasonable 
system  with  so  much  objectionable  matter,  as  finally  to 
sink  it.  Moreover,  it  was  feared  that  the  object  might 
be  lost  by  delay;  for  there  might  be  some  who, though 
they  would  not  hazard  reputation  by  voting  against  it, 
would  gladly  avail  themselves  of  pretexts  to  post- 
pone a  decision  till  the  session  should  be  brought  to 
a  close. 

Your  committee  have  learnt,  by  letters  from  Wash- 
ington, that  the  report  of  the  sub-committee,  after 
being  convassed  in  the  general  committee,  received 
but  four  out  of  thirteen  votes,  and  that  another  sub= 


(    63    ) 

committee  was  thereupon  appointed,  to  state  the  rea- 
sons why  it  is  thought  improper  for  Congress  to  act 
upon  the  subject  of  canals  this  session.  Your  com- 
mittee will  not  attempt  to  imagine  the  motives  for  so 
great  a  change  of  conduct,  if  not  of  sentiment,  in  the 
gentlemen  who  composed  the  general  committee. 
The  board  will  judge  on  the  face  of  facts  above 
stated. 

The  importance  of  the  object  to  the  United  States, 
is  too  manifest  to  admit  of  question,  and  the  offer  of 
New-York  too  fair  to  admit  of  cavil.  The  reason 
assigned  for  withholding,  not  only  an  immediate  ad- 
vance, but  even  an  eventual  appropriation,  viz :  That 
the  resources  of  the  country  may  be  required  to  sup- 
port a  war,  although  more  plausible  than  solid,  may 
be  admitted  as  sufficient  with  many  well-meaning 
men. 

But  this  reason  does  not  apply  to  a  conditional 
grant  of  land,  which  shall  not  take  effect  until  the  ca- 
nal shall  be  completed.  Such  grant  will  not,  it  is 
presumed,  be  expressly  denied,  and  the  reasons  to  be 
assigned  why  it  cannot  be  made  now,  will  speak  for 
themselves. 

Your  committee  have  learnt  that  some  speak  slightly 
of  the  canal,  as  a  project  too  vast;  while  others  are 
so  weak  as  to  question  the  ability  of  the  state  to  bear 
the  expense,  as  if  an  expense  of  five  or  even  ten  mil- 
lion of  dollars,  payable  in  twenty  years,  would  be  a 
serious,  much  less  oppressive  effort  for  a  million  of 
men.  Others  again,  who  have  too  much  understand- 
ing to  doubt  the  resources  of  the  state,  and  too  much 
prudence  to  expose  themselves  to  ridicule,  by  ex- 
pressing such  doubt  triumphantly,  declare,  that  her 
Legislature  has  not  the  spirit  and  intelligence  to 
draw  out  and  apply  her  resources  to  that  great  ob- 
ject. 

These  men  console  themselves  with  a  hope  that 
the  envied  state  of  New-York  will  continue  a  sup- 
plicant for  the  favour  and  a  dependant  on  the  gene- 
rosity of  the  Union,  instead  of  making  a  manly  and 
dignified  appeal  to  her  own  power. 


(    64    ) 

It  remains  to  be  proved,  whether  they  judge  justly, 
who  judge  so  meanly  of  our  councils. 

All  which  is  humbly  submitted. 

Message  to  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the 
United  States. 

I  communicate  to  Congress,  copies  of  an  act  of  the 
Legislature  of  New-York,  relating  to  a  candl  from 
the  great  lakes  to  Hudson's  river.  In  making  the 
communication,  1  consult  the  respect  due  to  that 
state,  in  whose  behalf  the  commissioners  appointed 
by  the  act,  have  placed  it  in  my  hands  for  the  purpose. 

The  utility  of  canal  navigation  is  universally  admit- 
ted. It  is  not  less  certain,  that  scarcely  any  country 
offers  more  extensive  opportunities,  for  that  branch 
of  improvements,  than  the  United  States  ;  and  none, 
perhaps,  inducements  equally  persuasive,  to  make 
the  most  of  them.  The  particular  undertaking  con- 
templated by  the  state  of  New- York,  which  marks 
an  honourable  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  comprises  ob- 
jects of  national,  as  well  as  more  limited  importance, 
will  recall  the  attention  of  Congress  to  the  signal  ad- 
vantages to  be  derived  to  the  United  States,  from  a 
general  system  of  internal  communication  and  con- 
veyance ;  and  suggest  to  their  consideration  what- 
ever steps  may  be  proper  on  their  part,  towards  its 
introduction  and  accomplishment.  As  some  of  those 
advantages  have  an  intimate  connexion  with  ar- 
rangehients  and  exertions  for  the  general  security, 
it  is  a  period  calling  for  these  that  the  merits  of  such 
a  system  will  be  seen  in  the  strongest  lights. 

JAMES  MADISON. 

Washington,  December  23d,  1812. 


WHEREAS  it  is  expedient  to  open  inland  naviga- 
tion as  soon  as  circumstances  will  permit,  the  various 
communications  which  may  be  effected  by  the  rivers, 
sounds,  bays,  and  lakes  of  the  United  States,  between 


(     65     ) 

the  Northern  and  Southern,  the  Eastern  and  West- 
ern parts  of  their  territory,  and  especially  a  com- 
munication along  the  sea  coast,  from  Boston  or  Barn- 
stable bay,  to  Naraganset  or  Buzzard  bay,  from 
Raritonriver  to  Chesapeake bay,and  from  Chesapeake 
bay  to  Albemarle  sound  ;  also,  a  communication 
from  Lake  Champlain  to  Hudson's  river,  from  Lake 
Erie  to  Hudson's  river,  the  Susquehannah,  the  Mus- 
kingum and  the  Wabash,  from  Lake  Michigan  to  the 
Illinois,  from  the  Susqjuehannah  to  the  Schuylkill  and 
the  Delaware,  from  the  Roanoke  above  its  great 
falls,  to  the  Chowan  or  Mehevrin,  from  the  Tennessee 
to  the  Tombigbee,  from  the  Cooper  river  and  Black 
river  to  the  Santee,  and  from  the  Savannah  to  the 
Tennessee ;  also,  to  construct  locks  around  the  falls 
of  the  Ohio,  and  to  emeliorate  the  navigation  of  the 
Potomac,  above  the  falls. 

Be  it  therefore  enacted^  8^c.  That  the  lands,  hitherto 
unappropriated,  in  the  Michigan  territory,  and  that 
part  of  the  Indiana  territory  lying  north  of  the  fortieth 
degree  of  latitude,  be  and  they  hereby  are  appropria- 
ted to  the  said  several  objects,  and  to  such  others  of 
the  same  or  a  similar  kind,  as  the  wisdom  of  Congress 
may  hereafter  designate. 

II.  j^nd  be  it  further  enacted,  That  one  million  acres 
of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  mentioned,  shall  vest 
in  and  belong  to  the  state  of  Massachusetts,  so  soon 
as  a  canal  navigable  for  vessels  drawing  six  feet  water, 
shall  be  opened  between  the  Boston  and  Naraganset 
bays,  or  between  the  Barnstable  and  Buzzard  bays, 
on  condition  nevertheless,  that  no  tax,  toll,  or  impost, 
shall  be  levied  or  taken  for  the  passage  of  such  vessels 
on  the  same  canal,  other  than  what  may  be  needful 
to  pay  the  annual  expense  of  superintending  and 
keeping  the  same  in  repair. 

III.  j^nd  be  it  further  enacted,  That  five  hundred  thou- 
sand acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  mentioned, 
shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  state  of  New-Jersey, 
so  soon  as  a  canal,  navigable  for  vessels  drawing  six 
feet  water,  shall  be  opened  between  the  Rariton  and 

9 


(     66    ) 

Delaware  rivers,  on  condition,  nevertheless,  that  no 
tax,  toll,  or  impost,  shall  be  levied  or  taken  for  the 
passage  of  such  vessels  on  the  same  canal,  other  than 
what  may  be  needful  to  pay  the  annual  expense  of 
superintending  and  keeping  the  same  in  repair. 

IV.  And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  four  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above 
mentioned,  shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  state  of 
Delaware,  so  soon  as  a  canal,  navigable  for  vessels 
drawing  six  feet  water,  shall  be  opened  between  the 
Delaware  river  and  Chesapeake  bay,  on  condition, 
nevertheless,  that  not  more  than  twenty  cents  per 
ton  shall  be  levied  or  taken  for  the  passage  of  vessels 
on  the  same  canal. 

V.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  two  hundred  thou- 
sand acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  mentioned, 
shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  state  of  Virginia,  so 
soon  as  a  canal,  navigable  for  vessels  drawing  six 
feet  water,  shall  be  opened  between  the  Chesapeake 
bay  and  Albemarle  sound,  on  condition,  nevertheless, 
that  no  tax,  toll,  or  impost,  shall  be  levied  or  taken  for 
the  passage  of  such  vessels  on  the  same  canal,  other 
than  what  may  be  needful  to  pay  the  annual  expense 
of  superintending  and  keeping  the  same  in  repair. 

VI.  And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  four  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above 
mentioned,  shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  state  of 
New  York,  so  soon  as  a  canal,  navigable  for  flat-bot- 
tomed boats  of  twenty  tons  burthen,  shall  be  opened 
between  Lake  Champlain  and  the  tide  waters  of 
Hudson's  river,  on  condition,  nevertheless,  that  no 
tax,  toll,  or  impost,  shall  be  levied  or  taken  for  the 
passage  of  such  boats  on  the  same  canal,  other  than 
what  may  be  needful  to  pay  the  annual  expense  of 
superintending  and  keeping  the  same  in  repair. 

VII.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  four  million 
acres  of  land,  part  ©f  the  tracts  above  mentioned, 
shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  said  state  of  New- York, 
so  soon  as  a  canal  shall  be  opened  from  lake  Erie  to 
Hudson's  river,  not  less  than  sixty-three  feet  wide  on 


(     67     ) 

the  top,  forty  five  feet  wide  at  the  bottom,  and  five 
feet  deep,  (and,  if  practicable,  along  an  inclined 
plane,  descending  not  more  than  six  inches  in  a  mile,) 
to  Hudson's  river,  or  a  bason  vv^ithin  four  miles  thereof: 
on  condition,  nevertheless,  that  no  tax,  toll,  or  impost, 
shall  be  levied  or  taken  for  the  passage  of  boats  not 
exceeding  sixty  feet  long,  eighteen  feet  wide  or 
drawing  more  than  three  feet  of  water  on  the  same 
canal,  other  than  such  as  may  be  needful  to  pay  the 
annual  expense  of  superintending  and  keeping  the 
same  in  repair. 

VIII.  j^nd  be  it  further  enacted,  That  one  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  men- 
tioned, shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  state  of  Penn- 
sylvania, so  soon  as  a  canal,  navigable  for  boats  of 
ten  tons,  shall  be  opened  between  the  lake  Erie  and 
the  Susquehannah  river. 

IX.  jlnd  be  it  further  enacted.  That  one  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  men- 
tioned, shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  state  of  Ohio, 
so  soon  as  a  canal  navigable  for  boats  often  tons,  shall 
be  opened  between  the  lake  Erie  and  the  Muskingum; 
and  that  one  hundred  thousand  acres  of  land,  also 
part  of  the  tracts  above  mentioned,  shall  vest  in,  and 
belong  to  the  said  state  of  Ohio,  so  soon  as  a  canal 
navigable  for  boats  often  tons,  shall  be  opened  from 
the  lake  Erie  to  the  Wabash ;  on  condition,  neverthe- 
less, that  no  tax,  toll,  or  impost,  shall  be  levied  or 
taken  for  the  passage  of  such  boats  on  the  said  canals, 
or  either  of  them,  other  than  what  may  be  needful  to 
pay  the  annual  expense  of  superintending  and  keep- 
ing them  in  repair  respectively. 

X.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  one  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above 
mentioned,  shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  state  of 
New-York,  so  soon  as  a  canal,  navigable  for  boats  of 
ten  tons,  shall  be  opened  from  the  lake  Michigan  to 
the  Illinois  river ;  on  condition,  nevertheless,  that  no 
tax,  toll,  or  impost,  shall  be  levied  or  taken  for  the 
passage  of  such  boats  on  the  same  canal,  other  than 


(     68     ) 

what  may  be  needful  to  pay  the  annual  expense  of 
superintending  and  keeping  the  same  in  repair. 

XI.  And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  eight  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  men- 
tioned, shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  state  of  Penn- 
sylvania, so  soon  as  a  canal,  navigable  for  boats  of 
ten  tons,  shall  be  opened  from  the  Susquehannah  to 
the  Schuylkill,  and  from  the  Schuylkill,  to  the  Dela- 
ware. 

^ll.And  belt  further  enacted,  That  three  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  men- 
tioned, shall  vest  in,  and  belong  to  the  state  of  North 
Carolina,  so  soon  as  a  canal,  navigable  for  boats  of 
ten  tons,  shall  be  opened  from  above  the  great  falls 
of  the  Roanoke  river,  to  the  Chowan  or  Mehevrin 
rivers ;  on  condition,  nevertheless,  that  no  tax,  toll, 
or  impost,  shall  be  levied  or  taken  for  the  passage 
of  such  boats  on  the  same  canal,  other  than  what 
maybe  needful  to  pay  the  annual  expense  of  super- 
intending and  keeping  the  same  in  repair. 

XIII.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  two  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  men- 
tioned, shall  vest  in,  and  belong  to  the  state  of  Ten- 
nessee, so  soon  as  a  canal,  navigable  for  boats  of  ten 
tons,  shall  be  opened  from  the  Tennessee  river  to  the 
Tombigbee  river. 

XIV.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  two  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  men- 
tioned, shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  state  of 
South-Carolina,so  soon  as  a  canal,navigable  for  boats  of 
ten  tons,  shall  be  opened  from  the  Cooper  river  and 
the  Black  river  to  the  Santee. 

XV.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  one  million  acres 
of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  mentioned,  shall  vest 
in  and  belong  to  the  state  of  Georgia,  so  soon  as  a 
canal,  navigable  for  boats  of  ten  tons,  shall  be  open- 
ed from  the  Tennessee  to  the  Savannah  river;  on 
condition,  nevertheless,  that  no  tax,  toll,  or  impost, 
shall  be  levied  or  taken  for  the  passage  of  such  boats 
ixi  the  same  canal,  other  than  what  may  be  needful  to 


(     69     ) 

pay  the  annual  expense  of  superintending  and  keep- 
ing the  same  in  repair. 

XVI.  Jind  be  it  further  enacted^  That  three  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  men- 
tioned, shall  vest  in  and  belong  to  the  state  of  Ken- 
tucky, so  soon  as  proper  locks  shall  be  constructed 
to  take  round  the  falls  of  the  Ohio,  vessels  of  tons ; 
on  condition,  nevertheless,  that  no  tax,  toll,  or  impost, 
shall  be  levied  or  taken  for  such  vessels  passing 
through  the  said  locks,  other  than  what  may  be  need- 
ful to  pay  the  annual  expense  of  superintending  and 
keeping  the  same  in  repair. 

XVII.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  two  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  land,  part  of  the  tracts  above  men- 
tioned shall  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  granted  to  the 
company  incorporated  by  the  states  of  Maryland  and 
Virgima,for  improving  the  navigation  of  the  Potomac, 
to  be  applied  by  the  said  company  in  ameliorating 
the  said  navigation. 

XVIII.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  none  of  the 
said  land  shall  be  sold  or  disposed  of  for  a  price 
less  than  two  dollars  per  acre  ;  neither  shall  any 
settlement  be  made  thereon  until  the  Indian  title 
shall  be  regularly  and  fairly  extinguished.  But  the 
said  several  tracts  may  be  severally  and  respectively 
pledged  as  a  security  for  loans,  the  amount  whereof, 
shall  be  employed  for  the  purposes  respectively  de- 
signated. 

XIX.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  public  faith 
be,  and  the  same  hereby  is  pledged  for  the  redemp- 
tion of  the  capital  of  loans  made  equivalent  to  the 
lands,  (at  the  rate  of  two  dollars  per  acre,)  granted 
in  the  second,  third,  fourth,  fifth,  sixth,  seventh,  ninth, 
tenth,  twelfth,  fifteenth  and  sixteenth  sections  of  this 
statute,  at  the  end  of  twenty  years  from  the  period 
when  such  several  loans  shall  have  been  made.  Pro- 
vided, that  the  money  borrowed,  shall  have  been 
justly  applied  to  the  objects  respectively  specified, 
and  that  the  tracts  so  granted,  shall  be  respectively 
retroceded  to  the  United  States.    It  is,  nevertheless, 


(     70     ) 

to  be  understood,  and  is  hereby  declared  and  enac- 
ted,  that  if  the  state  to  which  any  such  cession  is 
hereby  made,  shall,  within  ten  years,  declare  the  in- 
tention to  accept  the  grant  of  land  finally,  and  relin- 
quish the  pledge  of  public  faith  hereby  given,  such 
grant  shall  be  final,  and  the  pledge  of  faith  .shall  be 
void. 

XX.  And  he  it  further  enacted^  That  the  President 
of  the  U.  S.  for  the  time  being,  shall,  on  due  applica- 
tion to  him  made,  designate,  from  time  to  time,  by 
metes  and  bounds,  the  several  tracts  contemplated 
by  the  provisions  of  this  statute,  and  which  are  not 
herein  designated;  and  the  acceptance  of  any  state  or 
any  grant,  shall  be  considered  as  an  agreement  to  the 
condition  which  is  hereby  annexed  to  such  grant. 

XXI.  Arid  be  it  further  enacted^  That  a  tract  contain- 
ing four  million,  five  hundred  thousand  acres,  in  a 
parrallelogram,  extending  from  east  to  west,  across 
the  north  end  of  the  Indiana  territory,  shall  be,  and 
hereby  is  appropriated  to  the  conditional  grants 
herein  before  made  to  the  state  of  New-York,  which 
parrallelogram  shall  be  divided,  by  meridian  lines 
into  three  several  tracts,  of  which  the  eastern  tract, 
containing  four  hundred  thousand  acres,  shall  apply  to 
the  object  specified  in  the  sixth  section  ;  the  middle 
tract,  containing  four  million  acres,  shall  apply  to  the 
object  specified  in  the  seventh  section  :  and  the  west- 
ern tract,  containing  one  hundred  thousand  acres, 
shall  apply  to  the  object  specified  in  the  tenth  section 
of  this  statute. 


[No.  5.] 

Copy  of  a  letter  dated  1 3th  Feb''y,l8l2,From  Robert  Boivne, 
To  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  ivith  the  Western 
Inland  Lock  JYavigation  Company 

New-York,  2dMo.Uth,  1812. 

Respected  Friends, 

Your  letter,  of  the   24th  of  August,  has 
been  duly  considered  by  the  board  of  directors  of 


(     71      ) 

the  Western  Inland  Lock  Navigation  Company ; 
and  they  have  directed  me  to  say,  that  they  cannot, 
in  justice  to  the  stockholders,  deviate  from  the  terms 
before  communicated  to  the  commisssioners.  The 
company  was  originally  formed  in  consequence  of  an 
act  of  incorporation,  not  asked  for  by  themselves. 
The  Legislature  conceived,  very  justly,  that  it  vv^ould 
promote  the  general  interest  of  the  state,  if  an  im- 
provement should  be  made  in  the  Mohav^^k  river,  and 
encouraged  the  citizens  to  unite  in  the  undertaking. 
It  may  very  truly  be  observed,  that  most  of  the  stock- 
holders subscribed  more  from  patriotic,  than  from 
pecuniary  motives,  and  the  result  has  been,  that  the 
state  has  been  greatly  benefitted  and  the  stockholders 
have  received  no  advantage. 

,  The  moneys  expended,  amount  to  near  450,000 
dollars,  and  less  than  half  that  sum  is  now  only  de- 
manded. This  sacrifice  is  made  on  account  of  the 
sincere  desire  the  directors  feel  in  promoting  a  further 
and  more  extensive  improvement  of  the  Western 
Inland  Navigation,  and  they  presume  the  commis- 
sioners w^ill  be  satisfied  that  their  present  demand 
is  just  and  reasonable. 

I  am,  with  due  respect,  yours,  &c. 
i  ROB.  JBOWNE,  Pres't. 

To  De  Witt  Clinton  ^-  R.  Fulton,  Esqs. 


Report  of  the  Commissioners,  appointed  by  the  Legislature 
ofJ^ew-  York,  to  provide  for  the  Internal  Improvement 
of  the  State. — In  Jtssembly  March  8,  ]8I4. 

The  Commissioners  appointed  in  and  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature 
of  the  State  of  New-York,  to  provide  for  the  internal  improve- 
ment of  the  State, 

Beg  leave  to  report — 

That  in  compliance  with  their  official  duty,  having 
made  the  fullest  enquiries  a-^-d  investigations  in  their 
power,  they  have  appointed  an  engineer  to  trace  out 
the  course,  and  estimate  the  expense  of  the  proposed 


(     "^2     ) 

canal ;  as,  also,  to  superintend  such  portion  of  the 
whole  line  as  may  be  approved  of  by  the  Legislature, 
He  would  have  probably  have  arrived  before  the 
present  hour,  had  impediments  to  an  intercourse  with 
Great  Britain  been  removed. 

They  sought  a  proper  character  in  that  country, 
preferably  to  any  other,  because  from  its  extensive 
interior  communication  by  canals,  railways,  and  other 
expedients,  they  expect  that  a  more  intimate  know- 
ledge of  useful  facts  can  be  obtained  there  than  else- 
where ;  and  because  an  Englishman  speaking  the 
same  language,  and  habituated  to  the  same  usages 
and  manners,  will  more  easily  acquire  information 
among  us,  and  be  less  liable  to  imposition. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  engineer,  the  commissioners 
will  immediately  direct  such  surveys  to  be  made  as 
may  be  necessary,  in  order  to  ascertain  the  exact 
line  of  the  canal  from  lake  Erie  to  the  Hudson;  and 
when  this  work  is  completed,  the  estimates  of  the 
engineer  shall,  as  soon  as  possible,  be  laid  before  the 
Legislature,  who  will  then  be  able  to  form  such  a 
decision  as  will  best  promote  the  prosperity  of  the 
state. 

The  commissioners  have,  in  the  mean  time,  caused 
further  investigations  to  be  made,  and  would  not  have 
suspended  the  surveys,  as  they  did,  during  the  last 
summer,  but  for  military  operations  which  are  not  fa- 
vourable to  internal  improvement.  They  -have,  how- 
ever, the  satisfaction  to  state,  that  every  examination 
tends  to  show,  not  only  the  practicability,  but  the  fa- 
cility of  this  enterprise  ;  so  far  as  the  term  facility 
can  reasonably  be  applied  to  a  work  of  such  mag- 
nitude. They  add  with  much  pleasure,  that  it  will 
not  be  difficult  to  extend  this  communication  to  the 
fertile  vales  watered  by  the  Susquehannah  and  its 
wide  spreading  branches.  Hence,  they  presume,that 
the  public  spirit  which  has  always  characterized 
Pennsylvania,  will,  at  a  proper  time,  induce  her  to 
co-operate.  It  may,  indeed,  be  objected,  that,  to 
facilitate  the  intercourse  of  a  commercial  rival,  may 


(    73    ) 

be  of  more  comparative  loss,  than  positive  advantage. 
But  far  be  such  jealousies  from  the  councils  of  New- 
York.  Marked  by  nature  for  greatness,  and  strong  in 
the  consciousness  of  intrinsic  strength,she  will  always 
feel  that  nobjeness  of  soul  which  rather  accelerate 
than  retard  her  neighbour's  prosperity. 

The  commissioners  cannot  quit  this  branch  of  the 
subject,  without  stepping  a  little  out  of  the  road  in 
which  they  ought  strictly  to  walk,  for  the  purpose  of 
expressing  their  belief,  that  the  communication  long 
since  contemplated,  between  Lake  Champlain  and 
Hudson's  River,  may  easily  be  effected ;  and,  thus, 
another  of  those  great  avenues  be  opened,  which 
Providence  has  so  well  prepared,  that  little  more  is 
left  for  the  state,  than  merely  to  will  the  possession 
of  wealth  and  power. 

The  commissioners  have,  also,  conformably  to  the 
powers  conferred  on  them,  applied  for  and  obtained 
grants  of  land,  a  schedule  whereof  is  annexed  to  this 
report.  It  would  be  improper  not  to  acknowledge 
the  liberality  of  the  grantors ;  but  it  would  be  doing 
injustice  to  their  intelligence,  should  it  be  doubted, 
that  a  prudent  regard  to  their  own  interest  had  its 
proper  share  in  their  determinations.  The  clear- 
sighted perception  of  mankind,  respecting  matters 
which  affect  their  property,  opened  to  their  view  the 
benefits  which  they  must  derive  from  this  extensive 
inland  communication.  They,  as  a  part,  see  and  feel 
what  the  states  as  a  whole,  must  acquire  by  it;  and 
the  solidity  of  their  opinion  is  the  less  to  be  question- 
ed, as  the  light,  in  coming  to  their  mental  vision,  ha& 
neither  been  intercepted  by  the  opacity  of  dull  con- 
ception, nor  refracted  by  passing  through  mediums 
of  misrepresentation. 

The  value  of  these  lands  will  increase  by  every 
year  of  approaching  settlement,  and  every  avenue 
of  amended  access,  whether  by  improving  old  roads 
or  making  new  ones.  We  may,  therefore,  calculate, 
that  in  the  course  of  twenty  or  thirty  years,  the  pro- 
ceeds of  these  lands  will  reimburse  to  the  state  no 

10 


(    74    ) 

small  portion  of  the  expense  it  may  incur  by  com- 
pleting the  whole  line  of  the  proposed  canal ;  and 
here  we  must  remind  gentlemen,  of  what  has  fre- 
quently occurred  to  their  own  reflection,  that  al- 
though twenty  or  thirty  years  be  a  large  portion  of 
individual  existence,  they  form  but  a  short  period  of 
national  duration. 

The  commissioners  have  also  performed  the  duty 
of  attempting  a  loan  in  Europe,  conformably  to  the 
terms  and  within  the  limits  prescribed.  They  have 
reason  to  believe,  that  their  efforts  would  have  been 
crowned  with  success,  had  not  the  declaration  of  war 
been  nearly  simultaneous  with  the  grant  of  authority 
to  make  a  loan.  The  attempt  having  failed,  no  far- 
ther measures  have  been  adopted  in  relation  to  this 
object. 

The  commissioners  havingthus  rapidly  recited  facts 
which  it  is  their  duty  to  communicate,  would  be 
wanting  to  the  public  interest,  did  they  not  notice  at- 
tempts to  excite  opposition  to  the  work  committed  to 
their  charge.  They  have  examined  in  their  prece- 
ding reports  the  reasons  advanced  by  its  opposers, 
and  would  endeavour  to  answer  other  reasons,  if  any 
such  ihey  could  hear  of  In  the  face  of  incontro- 
vertible facts  the  supposed  superiority  of  what  is 
called  the  natural  communication,  by  Lake  Ontario, 
has  been  strongly  insisted  on,  and  of  late  the  pro- 
digious advantage  of  carrying  on  the  internal  trade 
of  America,  through  seaports  of  the  ^t.  Lawrence, 
was  ostentatiously  displayed  to  prove,  that  a  canal 
through  the  Western  District  of  New-York  is  an  idle 
project. 

These  gentlemen  could  not  indeed  deny,  that  there 
is  some  risk  in  navigating  the  Lake,  and  some  dif- 
ficulty in  descending  the  river ;  but  neither  the  risk 
nor  the  difficulty,  nor  both  combined,  are  considered 
as  serious  obstacles.  To  men  of  such  sanguine  tern- 
per,  it  is  useless  to  observe,  that  this  communication 
would  be  much  more  expensive  than  the  one  contem- 
plated, and  that  it  is  closed  from  November  to  May 


(    75    ) 

by  the  rigid  laws  of  Nature  ;  but  what  are  the  laws  of 
Nature  to  gentlemen  enamoured  with  their  own  con- 
ceptions. Disdaining  to  consider  the  actual  state  of 
things  ;  whenever  map-makers  trace  a  stream,  they 
find  a  military  and  commercial  highway.  Should 
there  be  a  want  of  Avater,  it  is  supplied  by  their  depth 
of  intellect;  should  the  surface  be  covered  with  ice, 
it  is  thawed  by  their  warmth  of  imagination.  To  con- 
tend with  such  men  is  no  easy  task,  for  they  make 
facts  as  they  go  along,  and  reasons  they  disclaim  ; 
insisting,  that  whatsoever  they  think  proper  to  approve 
of  is  sublime ;  whatsoever  they  think  proper  to  dislike 
is  absurd.  From  these  decrees,  pronounced  with  an 
air  of  censorial  gravity  and  the  contemptuous  smile 
of  superior  intelligence,  they  admit  of  no  appeal.  Far 
from  imitating  them,  the  commissioners  will  not  have 
the  hardihood  to  question  their  sagacity,  neither  will 
they,  after  industriously  applying  the  share  of  com- 
mon sense  allotted  to  them  by  the  Divine  Goodness, 
to  the  object  of  their  appointment,  pretend,  even  on 
that  subject,  to  vie  with  gentlemen,  whose  privilege 
it  is  to  understand,  and  whose  prerogative  to  decide, 
according  to  the  inverse  proportion  of  their  know-^ 
ledge.  With  all  due  deference,  nevertheless,  to  such 
ethereal  minds,  they  are  constrained  by  stubborn 
habit,  to  adhere  to  the  opinion  of  intelligent  profes- 
sional men.  And  here  the  commissioners  beg  leave 
to  remark,  that  they  are  much  misunderstood,  when 
it  is  supposed  that  they  recommend,  exclusively^  a  ca- 
nal descending  according  to  the  level  of  the  country, 
like  an  inclined  plane.  On  the  contrary,  their  pro- 
ject embraces  the  system  of  locks  as  well  as  the 
other,  and  their  opinion  is,  that  the  operation  must 
be  regulated  by  the  nature  of  the  country,  taking 
into  view  the  diminution  of  expense  and  the  shorten- 
ing of  distance.  And  they  beg  leave  to  call  to  the 
recollection  of  the  Legislature,  the  decided  opi- 
nion of  Mr.  William  Weston,  one  of  the  most  eminent 
civil  engineers  in  Europe,  who  was  formerly  employed 
by  the  Inland  Lock  Navigation  Company  of  this  gtate? 


(    76    ) 

and  who  is  perfectly  acquainted  with  the  country. 
In  a  letter  to  one  of  the  commissioners,  he  says, 
"  Should  your  nohle^  but  stupenduovs  plan  of  uniting 
Lake  Erie  with  the  Hudson,  be  carried  into  efFect,you 
have  to  fear  no  rivalry.  The  commerce  of  the  immense 
extent  of  country,  bordering  on  the  upper  lakes,  is 
your's  for  ever,  and  to  such  an  incalculable  amount  as 
would  baffle  all  conjecture  to  conceive.  Its  execu- 
tion would  confer  immortal  honour  on  the  projectors 
and  supporters,  and  would  in  its  eventual  consequen- 
ces, render  New-York  the  greatest  commercial  em- 
porium in  the  world,  with  perhaps  the  exception,  at 
some  distant  day,  of  New-Orleans,  or  some  other  de- 
pot  at  the  mouth  of  the  majestic  Mississippi.  From 
your  perspicuous  topographical  description,  and  neat 
plan  and  profile  of  the  route  of  the  contemplated  ca- 
tal,  I  entertain  little  doubt  of  the  practicability  of  the 
measure.  Perhaps  this  is  the  only  question  which 
the  Legislature  should  be  particularly  anxious  to  have 
resolved.  The  expense.,  be  2V  what  it  may,  is  no  object 
when  compared  with  the  incalculable  benefits  arising 
therefrom,  though,doubtless,  it  will  deserve  attention, 
that  the  money  granted  liberally  be  wisely  and  eco- 
nomically expended." 

All  which  is  humbly  submitted. 
GOUV.  iMORRIS, 
S.  V.  RENSSELAER, 
DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
SIMEON  DE  WITT, 
PETER  B.  PORTER, 
THOMAS  EDDY, 
ROBERT  FULTON. 


SCHEDULE 

Of  cessions  of  lands  agreed  to  be  made  to  the 
people  of  this  state,  as  a  free  ^ift  for  promoting  the 
execution  of  canal  navigation  from  lake  Erie  to  the 
Hudson. 


(    77    ) 

Paul  Busti,  Esq.  agent   for  the  Holland      acres. 
Company,  in  behalf  of  said  company,  100,632 

Le  Roy,  Bayard,  and  M'Evers,  2,500 

John  Greig,  Esq.  in  behalf  of  Governor 
Hornby,  3,500 

Robert  Troup,  Esq.  agent  for  the  heirs  of  Sir 
William  Pulteney,  will  make  a  large  grant  in  behalf 
of  the  heirs,  as  soon  as  his  powers  as  agent  of  that 
estate,  which  have  ceased  by  the  death  of  his  con- 
stituent, shall  be  renewed. 

And  the  commissioners  have  reason  to  expect 
considerable  grants  from  other  sources. 

As  soon  as  the  deeds  making  those  cessions  are  per- 
fected, copies  will  be  transmitted  to  the  legislature. 


[  As  this  memorial  was  thefoundation  of  the  statute  of  1816,  which 
constituted  the  present  Board  of  Canal  Commissioners,  and 
established  on  a  firm  basis,  the  present  system,  it  has  been 
deemed  advisable  to  republish  it.  Governor  Clinton  was  the 
author  of  this  memorial.] 

JVLemorial  of  the  citizens  of  JYew-  York,  in  favour  of  a 
CanalJYavigation  between  the  great  western  Lakes  andthe 
tide-waters  of  the  Hudson. 

To  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  JYew-  York, 

The  memorial  of  the  subscribers,  in  favour  of  a 
Canal  Navigation  between  the  great  western  lakes 
and  the  tide-waters  of  the  Hudson,  most  respectfully 
represents : 

That  they  approach  the  Legislature  with  a  solici- 
tude proportioned  to  the  importance  of  this  great 
undertaking,  and  with  a  confidence  founded  on  the 
enlightened  public  spirit  ofthe  constituted  authorities. 
If,  in  presenting  the  various  considerations  which  have 
induced  them  to  make  this  appeal,  they  should  occupy 
more  time  than  is  usual  on  common  occasions,  they 
must  standjustifiedby  the  importance  of  the  object. 
Connected  as  it  is  with  the  essential  interest  of  our 
country,  and  calculated  in  its  commencement  to 


(    78   ) 

reflect  honour  on  the  state,  and  in  its  completion,  to 
exalt  it  to  an  elevation  of  unparallelled  prosperity ; 
your  memorialists  are  fully  persuaded,  that  centuries 
may  pass  away  before  a  subject  is  again  presented 
so  worthy  of  all  your  attention,  and  so  deserving  of  all 
your  patronage  and  support. 

The  improvement  of  the  means  of  intercourse 
between  different  parts  of  the  same  country,  has 
always  been  considered  the  first  duty  and  the  most 
noble  employment  of  government.  If  it  be  important 
that  the  inhabitants  of  the  same  country  should  be 
bound  together  by  a  community  of  interests,  and  a 
reciprocation  of  benefits ;  that  agriculture  should 
find  a  sale  for  its  productions ;  manufactures  a  vent 
for  their  fabrics ;  and  commerce  a  market  for  its 
commodities ;  it  is  your  incumbent  duty,  to  open, 
facilitate,  and  improve  internal  navigation.  The 
pre-eminent  advantages  of  canals  have  been  establish- 
ed by  the  unerring  test  of  experience.  They  unite 
cheapness,  celerity,  certainty,  and  safety,  in  the 
transportation  of  commodities.  It  is  calculated  that 
the  expense  of  transporting  on  a  canal,  amounts  to 
one  cent  a  ton  per  mile,  or  one  dollar  a  ton  for  one 
hundred  miles  ;  while  the  usual  cost  by  land  convey- 
ance, is  one  dollar  and  sixty  cents  per  hundred  weight 
or  thirty-two  dollars  a  ton  for  the  same  distance. 
The  celerity  and  certainty  of  this  mode  of  transpor- 
tation are  evident.  A  loaded  boat  can  be  towed  by 
one  or  two  horses,  at  the  rate  of  thirty  miles  a  day. 
Hence,  the  seller  or  buyer  can  calculate  with  suffi- 
cient precision  on  his  sales  or  purchases,  the  period 
of  their  arrival,  the  amount  of  their  avails,  and  the 
extent  of  their  value.  A  vessel  on  a  canal  is,  inde- 
pendent of  winds,  tides,  and  currents,  and  is  not  ex- 
posed to  the  delays  attending  conveyances  by  land : 
and  with  regard  to  safety,  there  can  be  no  competi- 
tion. The  injuries  to  which  comimodities  are  expo- 
sed when  transported  by  land,  and  the  dangers  to 
which  they  are  liable  when  conveyed  by  natural  wa- 
ters, are  rarely  experienced  on  canals.    In  the  latter 


(    79    ) 

way,  comparatively  speaking,  no  waste  is  incurred, 
no  risk  is  encountered,  and  no  insurance  is  required. 
Hence,  it  follows,  that  canals  operate  upon  the  gene- 
ral interests  of  society,  in  the  same  way  that  machines 
for  saving  labour  do  in  manufactures ;  they  enable 
the  farmer,  the  mechanic,  and  the  merchant,  to  con- 
vey their  commodities  to  market,  and  to  receive  a  re- 
turn at  least  thirty  times  cheaper  than  by  roads.  As 
to  all  the  purposes  of  beneficial  communication,  they 
diminish  the  distance  between  places,  and  therefore 
encourage  the  cultivation  of  the  most  extensive  and 
remote  parts  of  the  country.  They  create  new 
sources  of  internal  trade,  and  augment  the  old  chan- 
nels,- for,  the  more  cheap  the  transportation,  the  more 
expanded  will  be  its  operation,  and  the  greater  the 
mass  of  the  products  of  the  country  for  sale,  the 
greater  will  be  the  commercial  exchange  of  return- 
ing merchandise,  and  the  greater  the  encouragement 
to  manufacturers,  by  the  increased  economy  and 
comfort  of  living,  together  with  the  cheapness  and 
abundance  of  raw  materials ;  and  Canals  are  conse- 
quently advantageous  to  towns  and  villages,  by  de- 
stroying the  monopoly  of  the  adjacent  country,  and 
advantageous  to  the  whole  country ;  for  though  some 
rival  commodities  may  be  introduced  into  the  old 
markets,  yet  many  new  markets  will  be  opened  by 
increasing  population,  enlarging  old  and  erecting  new 
towns,  augmenting  individual  and  aggregate  wealth, 
and  extending  foreign  commerce. 

The  prosperity  of  ancient  Egypt,  and  China,  may 
in  a  great  degree  be  attributed  to  their  inland  navi- 
gation. With  little  foreign  commerce,  the  former  of 
those  countries,  by  these  means  attained,  and  the 
latter  possesses,  a  population  and  opulence  in  pro- 
portion to  their  extent,  unequalled  in  any  other. 
And  England  and  Holland,  the  most  commercial  na- 
tions of  modern  times,  deprived  of  their  canaJs, 
would  lose  the  most  prolific  sources  of  their  pros- 
perity and  greatness.  Inland  navigation  is  in  fact  to 
the  same  community  what  exterior  navigation  is  to 


(     80    ) 

the  great  family  of  mankind.  As  the  ocean  connects 
the  nations  of  the  earth,  by  the  ties  of  commerce, 
and  the  benefits  of  communication,  so  do  lakes,  rivers, 
and  canals  operate  upon  the  inhabitants  of  the  same 
country  :  and  it  has  been  well  observed,  that "  were 
we  to  make  the  supposition  of  two  states,  the  one 
having  all  its  cities,  towns,  and  villages  upon  naviga- 
ble rivers  and  canals,  and  having  an  easy  communi- 
cation with  each  other;  the  other  possessing  the 
common  conveyance  of  land  carriage,  and  supposing 
both  states  to  be  equal  as  to  soil,  climate,  and  indus- 
try ,  commodities  and  manufactures  in  the  former 
state  might  be  furnished  thirty  per  cent,  cheaper  than 
in  the  latter :  or  in  other  words,  the  first  state  would 
be  a  third  richer,  and  more  affluent  than  the  other" 
The  general  arguments  in  favour  of  inland  navi- 
gation, apply  with  peculiar  force  to  the  United 
States,  and  most  emphatically  to  this  state.  A  geo- 
graphical view  of  the  country,  will  at  once  demon- 
strate the  unexampled  prosperity  that  will  arise  from 
our  cultivating  the  advantages  which  Nature  has  dis- 
pensed with  so  liberal  a  hand.  A  great  chain  of  moun- 
tains passes  through  the  United  States,  and  divides 
them  into  eastern  and  western  America.  In  various 
places,  rivers  break  through  those  mountains,  and 
are  finally  discharged  into  the  ocean.  To  the  west, 
there  is  a  collection  of  inland  lakes  exceeding  in  its 
aggregate  extent,  some  of  the  most  celebrated  seas 
of  the  old  world.  Atlantic  America,  on  account  of 
the  priority  of  its  settlement,  its  vicinity  to  the  ocean, 
and  its  favourable  position  for  commerce,  has  many 
advantages.  The  western  country,  however,  has  a 
decided  superiority  in  the  fertility  of  its  soil,  the  be- 
nignity of  its  climate,  and  the  extent  of  its  territory. 
To  connect  these  great  sections  by  inland  naviga- 
tion, to  unite  our  Mediterranean  seas  with  the  ocean, 
is  evidently  an  object  of  the  first  importance  to  the 
general  prosperity  Nature  has  effected  this  in  some 
measure;  the  St.  Lawrence  emanates  from  the  lakes, 
and  discharges  itself  into  the  ocean  in  a  foreign  terri  • 


(    81     ) 

tory.  Some  of  the  streams  which  flow  into  the  Mis- 
sissippi, originate  near  the  great  lakes,  and  pass 
round  the  chain  of  mountains.  Some  of  the  waters 
of  this  state  which  pass  into  lake  Ontario,  approach 
the  Mohawk;  but  our  Hudson  has  decided  advan- 
tages. It  affords  a  tide  navigation  for  vessels  of  80 
tons  to  Albany  and  Troy,  160  miles  above  New-York, 
and  this  peculiarity  distinguishes  it  from  all  the 
other  bays  and  rivers  in  the  United  States,  viz. 

The  tide  in  no  other  ascends  higher  than  the  Gra- 
nite Ridge,  or  within  thirty  miles  of  the  Blue  Ridge, 
or  eastern  chain  of  mountains.  In  the  Hudson  it 
breaks  through  the  Blue  Ridge,  and  ascends  above 
the  eastern  termination  of  the  Catskill,  or  great  west- 
ern chain ;  and  there  are  no  interposing  mountains 
to  prevent  a  communication  between  it  and  the  great 
western  lakes. 

The  importance  of  the  Hudson  River  to  the  old 
settled  parts  of  the  state,  may  be  observed  in  the 
immense  wealth  which  is  daily  borne  on  its  waters, 
in  the  flourishing  villages  and  cities  on  its  banks,  and 
in  the  opulence  and  prosperity  of  all  the  country 
connected  with  it,  either  remotely  or  immediately. 
It  may  also  be  readily  conceived,  if  we  only  sup- 
pose that  by  some  awful  physical  calamity,  some 
overwhelming  convulsion  of  Nature,  this  great  ri- 
ver was  exhausted  of  its  waters :  where  then 
would  be  the  abundance  of  our  markets,  the  pros- 
perity of  our  farmers,  the  wealth  of  our  merchants  ? 
Our  villages  would  become  deserted ;  our  flourish- 
ing cities  would  be  converted  into  masses  of  moul- 
dering ruins,  and  this  state  would  be  precipitated 
into  poverty  and  insignificance.  If  a  river  or  na- 
tural canal,  navigable  about  170  miles,  has  been 
productive  of  such  signal  benefits,  what  blessings 
might  not  be  expected,  if  it  were  extended  300 
miles  through  the  most  fertile  country  in  the  uni- 
verse, and  united  with  the  great  seas  of  the  west! 
The  contemplated  canal  would  be  this  extension, 
and  viewed  in  reference  only  to  the  productions  and 

11 


(     82     ) 

consumptions  of  the  state,  would  perhaps  convey 
more  riches  on  its  waters,  than  any  other  canal  in  the 
world.  Connected  with  the  Hudson,  it  might  be 
considered  as  a  navigable  stream  that  extends  45^ 
miles  through  a  fruitful  country,  embracing  a  great 
population,  and  abounding  with  all  the  productions 
of  industry :  if  we  were  to  suppose  all  the  rivers  and 
canals  in  England  and  Wales,  combined  into  one, 
and  discharged  into  the  ocean  at  a  great  city,  after 
passing  through  the  heart  of  that  country,  then  we 
can  form  a  distinct  idea  of  the  importance  of  the 
projected  canal;  but  it  indeed  comprehends  within 
its  influence  a  greater  extent  of  territory,  which  will 
in  time  embrace  a  greater  population.  If  this  work 
be  so  important,  when  we  confine  our  views  to  this 
state  alone,  how  unspeakably  beneficial  must  it  ap- 
pear, when  we  extend  our  contemplations  to  the  great 
lakes,  and  the  country  affiliated  with  them !  Waters 
extending  two  thousand  miles  from  the  beginning 
of  the  canal,  and  a  country  containing  more  territo- 
ry than  all  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  at  least  as 
much  as  France. 

While  we  do  not  pretend  that  all  the  trade  of  our 
western  world,  will  centre  in  any  given  place,  (nor 
indeed  would  it  be  desirable  if  it  were  practicable, 
because  we  sincerely  wish  the  prosperity  of  all  the 
states,)  yet  we  contend  that  our  natural  advantages 
are  so  transcendant,  that  it  is  in  our  power  to  obtain 
the  greater  part,  and  put  successful  competition  at 
defiance.  As  all  the  other  communications  are  im- 
peded by  mountains ;  the  only  formidable  rivals  of 
New-York,  for  this  great  prize,  are  New-Orleans  and 
Montreal,  the  former  relying  on  the  Mississippi,  and 
the  latter  on  the  St.  Lawrence. 

In  considering  this  subject,  we  will  suppose  the 
commencement  of  the  canal  somewhere  near  the 
outlet  of  Lake  Erie. 

The  inducements  for  preferring  one  market  to  ano- 
ther, involve  a  variety  of  considerations  :  the  princi- 
pal are  the  cheapness  and  facility  of  transportation, 


(     83     ) 

and  the  goodness  of  the  market.  If  a  cultivator  or 
manufacturer  can  convey  his  commodities  with  the 
same  ease  and  expedition  to^New-York,  and  obtain  a 
higher  price  for  them  than  at  Montreal  or  New-Or- 
leans, and  at  the  same  time  supply  himself  at  a 
cheaper  rate  with  such  articles  as  he  may  want  in 
return,  he  will  undoubtedly  prefer  New-i  ork.  It 
ought  also  to  be  distinctly  understood,  that  a  differ- 
ence in  price  may  be  equalized  by  a  difference  in 
the  expense  of  conveyance,  and  that  the  vicinity  of 
the  market  is  at  all  times  a  consideration  of  great 
importance. 

From  Buffalo,  at  or  near  the  supposed  commence- 
ment of  the  canal,  it  is  450  miles  to  the  city  of  New- 
Yorif,  and  from  that  city  to  the  ocean,  20  miles.  From, 
Buffalo  to  Montreal  350  miles ;  from  Montreal  to  the 
Chops  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  450.  From  Buffalo  to 
New-Orleans  by  the  great  Lakes,  and  the  Illinois 
river,  2,250  miles ;  from  New-Orleans  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico  100.  Hence,  the  distance  from  Buffalo  to 
the  ocean  by  the  way  of  New-York,  is  470  miles ;  by 
Montreal  800 :  and  by  New-Orleans  2,350. 

As  the  upper  lakes  have  no  important  outlet  but 
into  Lake  Erie,  we  are  warranted  in  saying,  that  all 
their  trade  must  be  auxiliary  to  its  trade,  and  that  a 
favourable  communication  by  water  from  Buffalo, 
will  render  New- York  the  great  depot  and  warehouse 
of  the  western  world. 

In  order,  however,  to  obviate  all  objections  that 
may  be  raised  against  the  place  of  comparison,  let  us 
take  three  other  positions,  C-^zm^o,  near  the  southwest, 
and  of  Lake  Michigan,  and  a  creek  of  that  name, 
which  some  times  communicates  with  the  Illinois,  the 
nearest  river  from  the  lakes  to  the  Mississippi:  Detroit^ 
on  the  river  of  that  name,  between  lakes  St.  Clair 
and  Erie ;  and  Pittsburgh^  at  the  confluence  of  the 
Alleghany  and  Monongahela^rivers,  forming  the  head 
of  the  Ohio,  and  communicating  with  Le  Beuf  by  wa- 
ter, which  is  distant  fifteen  miles  from  Lake  Erie. 

The  distance  from  Chicago  to  the  ocean  by  New- 


(     84     ) 

York,  is  about  1,200  miles.  To  the  mouth  of  the 
Mississippi,  by  New-Orleans,  near  1,600  miles,  and  to 
the  mouth  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  by  Montreal,  near 
1,600  miles. 

The  distance  from  Detroit  to  the  ocean  by  New- 
York,  is  near  700  miles.  From  Detroit  to  the  ocean 
by  Montreal,  is  1,050  miles.  From  Detroit  to  the 
ocean,  pursuing  the  nearest  route  by  Cleveland,  and 
down  the  Muskingum,  2,400  miles.  The  distance 
from  Pittsburgh  to  the  ocean,  by  Le  Beuf,  Lake  Buf- 
falo, and  New-York,  is  700  miles.  The  same  to  the 
ocean  by  Buffalo  and  Montreal,  1,050  miles.  The 
same  to  the  ocean  by  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi,  2,150 
miles. 

These  different  comparative  views  show  that  New- 
York  has,in  every  instance,  a  decided  advantage  over 
her  great  rivals.  In  other  essential  respects  the  scale 
preponderates  equally  in  her  favour.  Supposing  a 
perfect  equality  of  advantages  as  to  the  navigation  of 
the  lakes,  yet  from  Buffalo,  as  the  point  of  departure, 
there  is  no  comparison  of  benefits.  From  that  place 
the  voyager  to  Montreal  has  to  encounter  the  incon- 
veniences of  a  portage  at  the  cataract  of  Niagara,  to 
load  and  unload  at  least  three  times,  to  brave  the 
tempests  of  Lake  Ontario  and  the  rapids  of  the  St. 
Lawrence. 

In  like  manner  the  voyager  to  New-Orleans,  has  a 
portage  between  the  Chicago  and  Illinois,  an  incon- 
venient navigation  on  the  latter  stream,  besides  the 
well-known  obstacles  and  hazards  of  the  Mississippi. 
And  until  the  invention  of  Steam-Boats,  an  ascending 
navigation  was  considered  almost  impracticable. 
This  inconvenience  is,  howei<§r,  still  forcibly  expe- 
rienced on  that  river,  as  well  as  on  the  St.  Lawrence 
between  Montreal  and  Lake  Ontario. 

The  navigation  from  Lake  Erie  to  Albany,  can  be 
completed  in  ten  days  with  perfect  sefetyon  the  canal; 
and  from  Albany  to  New-York,  there  is  the  best 
sloop  navigation  in  the  world. 

From  Buffalo  to  Albany,  a  ton  of  commodities  coulcl 


(     85     ) 

be  conveyed  on  the  intended  canal,  for  three  dollars, 
and  from  Albany  to  New- York,  according  to  the  pre- 
sent prices  of  sloop  transportation,  for  $2-^-^-^,  and  the 
return  cargoes  would  be  the  same. 

We  have  not  sufficient  data  upon  which  to  predi- 
cate very  accurate  estimates  with  regard  to  Montreal 
and  New-Orleans ;  but  we  have  no  hesitation  in  say- 
ing, that  the  descending  conveyance  to  the  former, 
would  be  four  times  the  expense,  and  to  the  latter,  at 
least  ten  times,  and  that  the  cost  of  the  ascending- 
transportation  would  be  greatly  enhanced. 

It  has  been  stated  by  several  of  the  most  respecta- 
ble citizens  of  Ohio,  that  the  present  expense  of 
transportation  by  water  from  the  city  of  New-York 
to  Sandusky,  including  the  carrying  places,  is  ;^4 
tW  P^r  hundred,  and  allowing  it  to  cost  two  dollars 
per  hundred  for  transportation  to  Clinton,  the  geo- 
graphical centre  of  the  state,  the  whole  expense  would 
be  $6y^-^\,  which  is  only  fifty  cents  more  than  the  trans- 
portation from  Philadelphia  to  Pittsburgh,  and  at 
least  ^2-p5^%-  less  than  the  transportation  by  land  and 
water  from  these  places,  and  that,  in  their  opinion, 
New-York  is  the  natural  emporium  of  that  trade,  and 
that  the  whole  commercial  intercourse  of  the  western 
country  north  of  the  Ohio,  will  be  secured  to  her 
by  the  contemplated  canal. 

In  addition  to  this,  it  may  be  stated,  that  the  St. 
Lawrence  is  generally  locked  up  by  ice  seven  months 
in  the  year,  during  which  time  produce  lies  a  dead 
weight  on  the  hands  of  the  owner ;  that  the  naviga- 
tion from  New-York  to  the  ocean,  is  at  all  times  easy, 
and  seldom  obstructed  by  ice,  and  that  the  passage 
from  the  Balize  to  New-Orleans  is  tedious ;  that  per- 
haps oKe  out  of  five  of  the  western  boatmen  who  de- 
scend the  Mississippi,  become  victims  to  disease;  and 
that  many  important  articles  of  western  production 
are  injured  or  destroyed  by  the  climate.  New- York 
is,  therefore,  placed  in  a  happy  medium  between  the 
insalubrious  heat  of  the  Mississippi,  and  the  severe 
eold  of  the  St.  Lawrence.    She  has  also  pre-eminent 


(    86    ) 

advantages,  as  to  the  goodness  and  extensiveness  of 
her  market.  All  the  productions  of  the  soil,  and  the 
fabrics  of  art,  can  command  an  adequate  price,  and 
foreign  commodities  can  generally  be  procured  at  a 
lower  rate.  The  trade  of  the  Mississippi  is  already 
in  the  hands  of  her  merchants,and  although  accidental 
and  transient  causes  may  have  concurred  to  give 
Montreal  an  ascendency  in  some  points,  yet  the  su- 
periority of  New-York  is  founded  in  nature,  and  if 
improved  by  the  wisdom  of  government,  must  always 
soar  above  competition. 

Granting,  however,  that  the  rivals  of  New-York 
will  command  a  considerable  portion  of  the  western 
trade,  yet  it  must  be  obvious,  from  these  united  con- 
siderations, that  she  will  engross  more  than  sufficient 
to  render  her  the  greatest  commercial  city  in  the 
world.  The  whole  line  of  canal  will  exhibit  boats 
loaded  with  flour,  pork,  beef,  pot  and  pearl  ashes, 
flaxseed,  wheat,  barley,  corn,  hemp,  wool,  flax,  iron, 
lead,  copper,  salt,  gypsum,  coal,  tar,  fur,  peltry,  ginseng, 
bees-wax,  cheese,  butter,  lard,  staves,  lumber,  and 
the  other  valuable  productions  of  our  country  ;  and 
also,  with  merchandise  from  all  parts  of  the  world. 
Great  manufacturing  establishments  will  spring  up; 
agriculture  will  establish  its  granaries,  and  commerce 
its  warehouses  in  all  directions.  Villages,  towns, 
and  cities,  will  line  the  banks  of  the  canal,  and  the 
shores  of  the  Hudson  from  Erie  to  New-York.  '  The 
wilderness  and  the  solitary  place  will  become  glad, 
and  the  desert  will  rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  rose.' 

While  it  is  universally  admitted  that  there  ought 
to  be  a  water  communication  between  the  great  lakes 
and  the  tide-waters  of  the  Hudson,  a  contrariety  of 
opinion  (greatly  to  be  deplored,  as  tending  to  injure 
the  whole  undertaking)  has  arisen  with  respect  to  the 
route  that  ought  to  be  adopted.  It  is  contended  on 
the  one  side,  that  the  canal  should  commence  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  outlet  of  Lake  Erie,  and  be  carried  in 
the  most  eligible  direction  across  the  country  to  the 
head-waters  of  the  Mohawk  river  at  Rome :  from 


(     87     ) 

whence  it  should  be  continued  along  the  valley  of 
the  Mohawk  to  the  Hudson.  It  is,  on  the  other  side, 
insisted,  that  it  should  be  cut  round  the  cataract  of 
Niagara ;  that  Lake  Ontario  should  be  navigated  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Oswego  river ;  that  the  navigation  of 
that  river,  and  Wood  Creek,  should  be  improved  and 
pursued  until  the  junction  of  the  latter  with  the 
Mohawk  at  Rome.  As  to  the  expediency  of  a  canal 
from  Rome  to  the  Hudson,  there  is  no  discrepance  of 
opinion :  the  route  from  Rome  to  the  great  Lakes 
constitutes  the  subject  t)f  controversy. 

If  both  plans  were  presented  to  the  Legislature,  as 
worthy  of  patronage,  and  if  the  advocates  of  the  route 
by  Lake  Ontario  did  not  insist  that  their  schemes 
should  be  exclusive,  and  of  course,  that  its  adoption 
should  prove  fatal  to  the  other  project,  this  question 
would  not  exhibit  so  serious  an  aspect.  If  two  roads 
are  made,  that  which  is  most  accommodating  will  be 
preferred  ;  but  if  only  one  is  established,  whether 
convenient  or  inconvenient  to  individuals,  beneficial 
or  detrimental  to  the  public,  it  must  necessarily  be 
used.  We  are  so  fully  persuaded  of  the  superiority 
of  the  Erie  Canal,  that  although  we  should  greatly 
regret  so  useless  an  expenditure  of  public  money  as 
making  a  canal  round  the  cataract  of  Niagara,  yet  we 
should  not  apprehend  any  danger  from  the  competi- 
tion of  Montreal,  if  the  former  were  established. 

An  invincible  argument  in  favour  of  the  Erie  canal, 
is,  that  it  would  diffuse  the  blessings  of  internal  navi- 
gation over  the  most  fertile  and  populous  parts  of 
the  state,  and  supply  the  whole  community  with  salt, 
gypsum,  and  in  all  probability  coal.  Whereas,  the 
Ontario  route  would  accommodate  but  an  inconside- 
rable part  of  our  territory,  and  instead  of  being  a 
great  highway,  leading  directly  to  the  object,  it  would 
be  a  circuitous  by-road,  inconvenient  in  all  essential 
respects. 

The  most  serious  objection  against  the  Ontario 
route,  is,  that  it  will  inevitably  enrich  the  territory  of  a 
foreign  power,  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States.  If 


(     88     ) 

a  canal  is  cut  round  the  falls  of  Niagara,  and  no 
countervailing  nor  counteracting  system  is  adopted 
in  relation  to  lake  Erie,  the  commerce  of  the  west  is 
lost  to  us  for  ever.  When  a  vessel  once  descends 
into  Ontario,  she  will  pursue  the  course  ordained  by 
Nature.  The  British  government  are  fully  aware  of 
this,  and  are  now  taking  the  most  active  measures  to 
facilitate  the  passage  down  the  St.  Lawrence. 

It  is  not  to  be  concealed,  that  a  great  portion  of  the 
productions  of  our  western  country  are  now  transport- 
ed to  Montreal,  even  with  alHhe  inconveniences  at- 
tending the  navigation  down  the  Seneca  and  Oswego 
rivers ;  but  if  this  route  is  improved  in  the  way  pro- 
posed, and  the  other  not  opened,  the  consequences 
will  be  most  prejudicial.  A  barrel  of  flour  is  now 
transported  from  Cayuga  lake  toJMontreal  for  ^lyVV* 
and  it  cannot  be  conveyed  to  Albany  for  less  than 
^2y5_o_.  This  simple  fact  speaks  a  volume  of  ad- 
monitory instruction. 

But  taking  it  for  granted,  that  the  Ontario  route 
will  bring  the  commerce  of  the  west  to  New-York, 
yet  the  other  ought  to  be  preferred,  on  account  of 
the  superior  facilities  it  affords. 

In  the  first  place,  it  is  nearer.  The  distance  from 
Buffalo  to  Rome,  is  less  than  200  miles  in  the  course 
of  the  intended  canal :  by  lake  Ontario  and  Oswego, 
it  is  232. 

2.  A  loaded  boat  could  pass  from  Buffalo  to  Rome 
by  the  Erie  route,  in  less  than  seven  days,  and  with 
entire  safety.  By  the  Ontario  route,  it  will  be  per- 
fectly uncertain,  and  not  a  little  hazardous.  After 
leaving  the  Niagara  river,  it  would  have  to  pass  an 
inland  sea  to  the  extent  of  127  miles,  as  boisterous 
and  as  dangerous  as  the  Atlantic.  And  besides  a 
navigation  of  at  least  twenty  miles  over  another  lake, 
it  would  have  to  ascend  two  difficult  streams  for  55 
miles ;  no  calculation  could  then  be  made,  either  on 
the  certainty  or  safety  of  this  complicated  and  incon- 
venient navigation. 

3.  When  a  lake  vessel  would  arrive  at  Buffalo,  she 


(     89     ) 

would  have  to  unload  her  cargo,  and  when  this  cargo 
arrived  at  Albany  by  the  Erie  canal,  it  would  be  shift- 
ed on  board  of  a  river  sloop,  in  order  to  be  trans- 
ported to  New- York.  From  the  time  of  the  first 
loading  on  the  great  lakes,  to  the  last  unloading  at 
the  storehouses  in  New- York,  there  would  be  three 
loadings  and  three  unloadings  on  this  route. 

But  when  a  lake  vessel  arrived  with  a  view  of  pass- 
ing the  canal  of  Niagara,  she  would  be  obliged  to  shift 
her  lading  for  that  purpose,  for  it  would  be  almost 
impracticable  to  use  lake  vessels  on  the  Niagara 
river,  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of  the  ascending 
navigation.  At  Lewiston,  or  some  other  place  on 
the  Niagara,  another  change  of  the  cargo  on  board 
of  a  lake  vessel  for  Ontario  would  be  necessary : 
at  Oswego  another,  and  at  Albany  another ;  so  that 
on  this  route,  there  would  be  five  loadings  and  five 
unloadings,  before  the  commodities  were  stored  in 
New-York. 

This  difference  is  an  object  of  great  consequence, 
and  presents  the  most  powerful  objections  against 
the  Ontario  route  ;  for  to  the  delay  we  must  add  the 
accumulated  expense  of  these  changes  of  the  cargo, 
the  storage,  the  waste  and  damage,  especially  by- 
theft,  (where  the  chances  of  depredation  are  increas- 
ed by  the  merchandise  passing  through  a  multitude 
of  hands)  and  the  additional  lake  vessels,  boats  and 
men  that  will  be  required,  thereby  increasing  in  this 
respect  alone,  the  cost  two  thirds  above  that  attend- 
ing the  other  course.  And  in  general  it  may  be  observed, 
that  the  difference  between  a  single  and  double  freight 
forms  an  immense  saving.  Goods  are  brought  from 
Europe  for  twenty  cents  per  cubic  foot ;  whereas  the 
price  from  Philadelphia  to  Baltimore,  is  equal  to  ten 
cents.  This  shews  how  far  articles  once  embarked, 
are  conveyed  with  a  very  small  addition  of  freight, 
and  if  such  is  the  difference  between  a  single  and  a 
a  double  freight,  how  much  greater  must  it  be  in  the 
case  under  consideration ! 

If  the  fall  from  Lake  Erie  to  Lake  Ontario  be  450 

12 


(     90     ) 

feet,  as  stated  in  Mr.  Secretary  Gallatin's  report  on 
canals,  it  will  require  at  least  45  locks  for  a  naviga- 
tion round  the  cataract.  Whether  it  would  be  prac- 
ticable to  accommodate  all  the  vessels  which  the 
population  and  opulence  of  future  times  will  create 
in  those  waters,  with  a  passage  through  so  many 
locks  accumulated  within  a  short  distance,  is  a  ques- 
tion well  worthy  of  serious  consideration.  At  all 
events,  the  demurrage  must  be  frequent,  vexatious, 
and  expensive. 

When  we  consider  the  immense  expense  which 
would  attend  the  canal  proposed  on  the  Niagara  river; 
a  canal  requiring  so  many  locks,  and  passing  through 
such-  difficult  ground;  when  we  view  the  Oswego 
river  from  its  outlet  at  Oswego  to  its  origin  in  Oneida 
Lake,  encumbered  with  dangerous  rapids  and  falls, 
and  flowing  through  a  country  almost  impervious  to 
canal  operations ;  and  when  we  contemplate  the  nu- 
merous embarrassments  which  are  combined  with 
the  improvement  of  Wood  Greek,  we  are  prepared 
to  believe  that  the  expense  of  this  route  will  not 
greatly  fall  short  of  the  other. 

It  is  however  alleged,  that  it  is  not  prac  ticable 
to  make  this  canal ;  and  that  if  practicable,  the  ex- 
pense will  be  enormous,  and  will  far  transcend  the 
faculties  of  the  state. 

Lake  Erie  is  elevated  541  feet  above  the  tide  waters 
at  Troy.  The  only  higher  ground  between  it  and 
the  Hudson  is  but  a  few  miles  from  the  Lake :  and 
this  difficulty  can  be  easily  surmounted  by  deep  cut- 
ting; of  course  no  tunnel  will  be  required.  The 
rivers  which  cross  the  line  of  the  canal,  can  be  easily 
passed  by  aqueducts ;  on  every  summit  level,  plenty 
of  water  can  be  obtained;  whenever  there  is  a 
great  rise  or  descent,  locks  can  be  erected,  and  the 
whole  line  will  not  require  more  than  sixty  two  ; 
perhaps  there  is  not  an  equal  extent  of  country  in 
the  world,  which  presents  fewer  obstacles  to  the  es- 
tablishment of  a  canal.  The  liberality  of  Nature 
has  created  the  great  ducts  and  arteries,  and  the  in- 


(    91     ) 

genuity  of  art  can  easily  provide  the  connecting 
veins.  The  general  physiognomy  of  the  country  is 
champaign,  and  exhibits  abundance  of  water:  a 
gentle  rising  from  the  Hudson  to  the  lake ;  a  soil 
vi^ell  adapted  for  such  operations :  no  impassible  hills, 
and  no  insurmountable  waters.  As  to  distance,  it  is 
not  to  be  considered  in  relation  to  practicability.  If 
a  canal  can  be  made  for  fifty  miles,  it  can  be  made 
for  three  hundred,  provided  there  is  no  essential  va- 
riance in  the  face  of  the  country  ;  the  only  difference 
will  be  that  in  the  latter  case,  it  will  take  more  time, 
and  consume  more  money. 

But  this  opinion  does  not  rest  for  its  support  upon 
mere  speculation.  Canals  have  been  successfully 
cut  through  more  embarrassing  ground,  in  various 
parts  of  the  United  States ;  and  even  in  part  of  the 
intended  route  from  Schenectady  to  Rome,  locks  have 
been  erected  at  the  Little  Falls,  and  at  other  places  ; 
and  short  canals  have  been  made,  and  all  these  ope- 
rations have  taken  place  in  the  most  difficult  parts 
of  the  whole  course  of  the  contemplated  Erie  naviga- 
tion. Mr. William  Weston,  one  of  the  most  celebrated 
civil  engineers  in  Europe,  who  has  superintended  ca- 
nals in  this  state  and  Pennsylvania,  and  who  is  perfect- 
ly well  acquainted  with  the  country,  has  thus  express- 
ed his  opinion  on  this  subject :  "  Should  your  noble 
but  stupenduous  plan  of  uniting  Lake  Erie  with  the 
Hudson,  be  carried  into  effect,  you  have  to  fear  no 
rivalry.  The  commerce  of  the  immense  extent  of 
country,  bordering  on  the  upper  lakes,  is  yours  for 
ever,  and  to  such  an  incalculable  amount  as  would 
baffle  all  conjecture  to  conceive.  Its  execution 
would  confer  immortal  honour  on  the  projectors  and 
supporters,  and  would  in  its  eventual  consequences, 
render  New- York  the  greatest  commercial  empori- 
um in  the  world,  with  perhaps  the  exception  at  some 
distant  day  of  New-Orleans,  or  some  other  depot  at 
the  mouth  of  the  majestic  Mississippi.  From  your 
perspicuous  topographical  description  and  neat  plan 
and  profile  of  the  route  of  the  contemplated  canal, 


(     92     ) 

I  entertain  little  doubt   of  the  practicability  of  the 
measure." 

With  regard  to  the  expense  of  this  work,  different 
estimates  will  be  formed.  The  commissioners  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose,  were  of  opinion  that  it 
would  not  cost  more  than  five  millions  of  dollars. 
On  this  subject  we  must  be  guided  by  the  light  which 
experince  affords  in  analogous  cases. 

The  canal  of  Languedoc,  or  canal  of  the  two  seas 
in  France,  connects  the  Mediterranean  and  the  At- 
lantic, and  is  180  miles  in  length  :  it  has  114  locks 
and  sluices,  and  a  tunnel  720  feet  long.  The  breadth 
of  the  canal  is  141  feet,  and  its  depth  six  feet:  it 
was  begun  in  1666,  and  finished  in  1681,  and  cost 
£540,000  sterling,  or  £3,000  sterling  a  mile. 

The  Holstien  canal,  begun  in  1777,  and  finished 
i-n  1785, extends  about  fifty  miles:  is  100  fieet  wide 
at  the  top,  and  54  at  the  bottom,  and  not  less 
than  ten  feet  deep  in  any  part.  Ships  drawing  nine 
feet  four  inches  water,  pass  through  it  from  the 
German  ocean,  in  the  vicinity  of  Tonningen,  into  the 
Baltic.  From  two  to  three  thousand  ships  have 
passed  in  one  year.  The  expense  of  the  whole  work 
was  a  little  more  than  a  million  and  a  half  of  dollars, 
which  would  be  at  the  rate  of  30,000  dollars  a  mile 
for  this  ship  navigation. 

The  extreme  length  of  the  canal  from  the  Forth 
to  the  Clyde  in  Scotland  is  35  miles.  It  rises  and 
falls  160  feet  by  means  of  39  locks.  Vessels  pass 
drawing  eight  feet  water,  having  19  feet  beam,  and 
73  feet  length.  The  cost  is  calculated  at  £200,000 
sterling,  which  is  at  the  rate  of  about  23,000  dollars 
a  mile.  But  this  was  a  canal  for  ships  drawing  eight 
feet  of  water,  with  an  extraordinary  rise  for  its 
length,  and  having  more  than  one  lock  for  every  mile. 

The  following  will  give  an  idea  of  the  money  ex- 
pended on  such  works  in  England : — 

Cost.  Miles. 

The  Rochdale  Canal,  £291,900  31i- 

Ellesmere,  400,000  57 


(    93     ) 


Cost. 

Miles, 

Kennet  and  Avon, 

420,000 

78 

Grand  Junction, 

500,000 

90 

Leeds  and  Liverpool, 

800,000 

J29 

The  miles  of  canal  are  385^,  and  the  cost  is 
£2,1 11,900  sterling,  or  about  28,000  dollars  per  mile. 

But  in  the  estimation  of  the  cost  of  these  canals, 
unquestionably  the  price  of  the  land  over  which 
they  pass  is  included,  and  this  is  enormous.  The 
land  alone  for  one  canal  of  16  miles,  is  said  to  have 
cost  £90,000  sterling.  With  us  this  would  be  but 
small. 

If  we  look  at  the  history  of  the  English  canals,  we 
shall  see  how  many  objects  of  great  expense  are  con- 
nected with  them,  with  which  we  should  have  no- 
thing to  do,  and  that  most  of  them  have  encountered 
and  surmounted  obstacles  which  we  should  not  meet 
with.  For  instance,  the  Grand  Junction  canal  pass- 
es more  than  once  the  great  ridge  which  divides  the 
waters  of  England ;  ours  will  pass  over  a  country 
w^hich  in  comparison  is  champaign. 

But  it  is  said  that  the  price  of  labour  in  our  country 
is  so  much  above  what  it  is  in  England,  that  we  must 
add  greatly  to  the  cost  of  her  canals  in  estimating  the 
expense  of  ours.  But  that  is  certainly  a  false  conclu- 
sion, for  not  only  must  the  price  of  the  land  and  the 
adventitious  objects  which  have  been  before  referred 
to,  be  deducted  from  the  cost  of  the  foreign  canals, 
but  we  must  consider  that  there  will  be  almost  as 
great  a  difference  in  our  favour  in  the  cost  of  materi- 
als and  brute  labour,  as  there  is  in  favour  of  England 
as  to  human  labour,and  it  is  well  krbwn  that  so  much 
human  labour  is  not  now  required  on  canals  as  for- 
merly. Machines  for  facilitating  excavation  have  been 
invented  and  used  with  great  success. 

Mr.  Gallatin's  report  on  canals  contains  several 
estimates  of  the  cost  of  contemplated  ones.  From 
Weymouth  to  Taunton,in  Massachusetts,  the  expense 
of  a  canal  of  26  miles,  with  a  lockage  of  260  feet,  is 
set  down  at  1,250,000  dollars.  From  Brunswick  to 
Trenton,  28  miles,  with  a  lockage  of  100  feet,  800,000 


(    94   ) 

dollars.  From  Chistiana  to  Elk,  22  miles  with  a  lock- 
age of  148  feet,  750,000  dollars.  From  Elizabeth  ri- 
er  to  Pasquotank,  22  miles,  with  a  lockage  of  40  feet, 
250,000  dollars.  These  estimates  thus  vary  from 
48,000  to  less  than  12,000  dollars  a  mile,  and  furnish 
the  medium  of  about  31,000  dollars  a  mile.  But  it 
must  be  observed  that  they  are  for  small  distances,are 
calculated  to  surmount  particular  obstacles,  and  con- 
template an  extraordinary  number  of  locks,  and  that 
they  do  not  therefore  furnish  proper  data  from  which 
to  form  correct  conclusions,with  respect  to  the  proba- 
ble cost  of  an  extensive  canal,  sometimes  running  over 
a  great  number  of  miles  upon  a  level  without  any 
expense  for  lockage,  or  any  other  expense  than  the 
mere  earth  work. 

Mr.Weston,before  mentioned,estimated  the  expense 
of  a  canal  from  the  tide  waters  at  Troy  to  lake  Onta- 
rio, a  distance  of  100  miles,  (exclusive  of  Lake  Onei- 
da,) going  round  the  Cohoes,  and  embracing  55  locks 
of  eight  feet  lift  each,  at  2,200,000  dollars,  a  little 
more  than  13,000  dollars  a  mile. 

Fortunately,  however,  we  have  more  accurate  in- 
formation than  mere  estimates. 

In  the  appendix  to  Mr.  Gallatin's  report,  it  is  stated 
by  Mr.  Joshua  Gilpin,  that  "  by  actual  measurement, 
and  the  sums  paid  on  the  feeder,  it  was  found  that 
one  mile  on  the  Delaware  and  Chesapeake  canal,  the 
most  difficult  of  all  others,  from  its  being  nearly  alto- 
gether formed  through  hard  rocky  ground,  cost 
13,000  dollars,  and  one  other  mile  perfectly  level, 
and  without  particular  impediments,  cost  2,300  dol- 
lars; from  hence,  the  general  average  would  be  re- 
duced to  7,650  dollars  per  mile." 

The  Middlesex  canal,  in  Massachusetts,  runs  over 
twenty-eight  miles  of  ground,  presenting  obstacles 
much  greater  than  can  be  expected  on  the  route  we 
purpose.  This  canal  cost  478,000  dollars,  which 
is  about  17,000  dollars  a  mile.  It  contains  22  locks 
of  solid  masonry  and  excellent  workmanship,  and  to 
accomplish  this  work,  it  was  necessary  to  dig  in  some 
places  to  the  depth  of  20  feet,  to  cut  through  ledges 


(    95    ) 

of  rocks,  to  fill  some  valleys  and  morasses,  and  to 
throw  several  aqueducts  across   the  intervening  ri- 
vers.    One  of  these  across  the  river  Shawshine   is 
280  feet  long,  and  22  feet  above  the  river. 
From  the  Tonewanta  Creek,  to  the  Seneca 

river,  is  a  fall  of, 195  feet 

From  thence  to  the  Rome  summit  is  a  rise  of  50 
From  thence  to  the  Hudson  river,  is  a  fall  of   380 


The  whole  rise  and  fall,  -  -  -  625  feet. 
This  will  require  62  locks  of  ten  feet  lift  each.  The 
expense  of  such  locks  as  experimentally  proved  in 
several  instances  in  this  state  would  be  about  620,000 
dollars. 

We  have  seen  that  on  the  Middlesex  canal,  there 
are  22  locks  for  28  miles,  which  is  a  lock  for  some- 
what more  than  every  mile,  whereas,  62  locks  for  300 
miles  is  but  about  one  lock  for  every  five  miles ; 
and  the  lockage  of  the  Middlesex  canal,  would  alone 
cost  220,000  dollars.  It  would,  therefore,  appear  to 
be  an  allowance  perhaps  too  liberal,  to  consider  the 
cost  of  it  as  a  fair  criterion  of  the  expense  of  canals 
in  general  in  this  country,and  of  this  in  particular.  Re- 
servoirs and  tunnels,  are  the  most  expensive  part  of 
the  operation,  and  none  will  be  necessary  in  our 
whole  route.  The  expense  of  the  whole  earth  work 
of  excavating  a  mile  of  canal  on  level  ground  fifty 
feet  wide  and  five  feet  deep,  at  1 8  cents  per  cubic 
yard,and  allowing  for  the  cost  of  forming  and  trimming 
the  banks,  puddling,  &c.  will  not  exceed  4000  dol- 
lars per  mile,  and  the  only  considerable  aqueduct  on 
the  whole  line,  will  be  over  the  Genesee  river. 

From  a  deliberate  consideration  of  these  differ- 
ent estimates  and  actual  expenditures,  we  are  fully 
persuaded  that  this  great  work  will  not  cost  more 
than  20,000  dollars  a  mile,  or  six  millions  of  dollars 
in  the  whole ;  but  willing  to  make  every  possible  al- 
lowance, and  even  conceding  that  it  will  cost  double 
that  sum,  yet  still  we  contend  that  there  is  nothing 
which  ought  to  retard  its  execution.    This  canal  can- 


(    96    ) 

not  be  made  in  a  short  time.  It  will  be  the  work  per- 
haps of  10  or  15  years. 

The  money  will  not  be  wanted  at  once.  The 
expenditure,  in  order  to  be  beneficial,  ought  not  to 
exceed  .')00,000  dollars  a  year,  and  the  work  may  be 
accomplished  in  two  ways ;  either  by  companies, 
incorporated  for  particular  sections  of  the  route,  or 
by  the  state.  If  the  first  is  resorted  to,  pecuniary 
sacrifices  will  still  be  necessary  on  the  part  of  the 
public,  and  great  care  ought  to  be  taken  to  guard 
against  the  high  tolls,  which  will  certainly  injure,  if 
not  ruin  the  whole  enterprise. 

If  the  state  shall  see  fit  to  achieve  this  great  work, 
there  can  be  no  difficulty  in  providing  funds.  Stock 
can  be  created  and  sold  at  an  advanced  price.  The 
ways  and  means  of  paying  the  interest  will  be  only 
required.  After  the  first  year,  supposing  an  annual 
expenditure  of  500,000  dollars,  thirty  thousand  dol- 
lars must  be  raised  to  pay  an  interest  of  six  per  cent ; 
after  the  second  year  60,000,  and  so  on.  At  this  rate 
interest  they  will  regularly  increase  with  beneficial 
appropriation,  and  will  be  so  little  in  amount  that  it 
may  be  raised  in  many  shapes  without  being  bur- 
densome to  the  community.  In  all  human  probability, 
the  augmented  revenue  proceeding  from  the  public 
salt  works,  and  the  increased  price  of  the  state  lands, 
in  consequence  of  this  undertaking,  will  more  than 
extinguish  the  interest  of  the  debt  contracted  for  that 
purpose.  We  should  also  take  into  view,  the  land 
already  subscribed  by  individuals  for  this  work, 
amounting  to  106,632  acres.  These  donations, 
together  with  those  which  may  be  confidently 
anticipated,  will  exceed  in  value  a  milHon  of  dollars, 
and  it  will  be  at  all  times  in  the  power  of  the  state  to 
raise  a  revenue  from  the  imposition  of  transit  duties, 
which  may  be  so  light  as  scarcely  to  be  felt,  and  yet 
the  income  may  be  so  great  as  in  a  short  time  to 
extinguish  the  debt,  and  this  might  take  effect  on  the 
completion  of  every  important  section  of  the  work. 

If  the  legislature  shall  consider  this  important  pro- 
ject in  the  same  point  of  view,  and  shall  unite  with 


(    .97     ) 

US  in  opinion,  that  the  general  prosperity  is  intimate- 
ly and  essentially  involved  in  its  prosecution,  we  are 
fully  persuaded  that  now  is  the  proper  time  for  its 
commencement.  Delays,  are  the  refuge  of  weak 
minds,  and  to  procrastinate  on  this  occasion  is  to 
show  a  culpable  inattention  to  the  bounties  of  Nature ; 
a  total  insensibility  to  the  blessings  of  Providence, 
and  an  inexcusable  neglect  of  the  interests  of  society. 
If  it  were  intended  to  advance  the  views  of  individ- 
duals,  or  to  foment  the  divisions  of  party;  if  it  promo- 
ted the  interests  of  a  few,  at  the  expense  of  the  pros- 
perity of  the  many ;  if  its  benefits  were  limited  as  to 
place,  or  fugitive  as  to  duration,  then  indeed  it  might 
be  received  with  cold  indifference,  or  treated  with 
stern  neglect ;  but  the  overflowing  blessing  from  this 
great  fountain  of  public  good  and  national  abundance, 
will  be  as  extensive  as  our  country,  and  as  durable  as 
time. 

The  considerations  which  now  demand  an  im- 
mediate, and  an  undivided  attention  to  this  great 
object,  are  so  obvious,  so  various,  and  so  weighty, 
that  we  shall  only  attempt  to  glance  at  some  of  the 
most  prominent. 

In  the  first  place,  it  must  be  evident,  that  no  pe- 
riod could  be  adopted  in  which  the  work  can  be  pro- 
secuted with  less  expense.  Every  day  augments  the 
value  of  the  land  through  which  the  canal  will  pass ; 
and  when  we  consider  the  surplus  hands  which  have 
been  recently  dismissed  from  the  army  into  the  walks 
of  private  industry,  and  the  facility  with  which  an  ad- 
dition can  be  procured  to  the  mass  of  our  active  la- 
bour, in  consequence  of  the  convulsions  of  Europe, 
it  must  be  obvious  that  this  is  now  the  time  to  make 
those  indispensable  acquisitions. 

2.  The  longer  this  work  is  delayed,  the  greater  will 
be  the  difficulty  in  surmounting  the  interests  that  will 
rise  up  in  opposition  to  it.  Expedients  on  a  contracted 
scale  have  already  been  adopted  for  the  facilitation 
of  intercourse.  Turnpikes,  locks,  and  short  canals, 
have  been  resorted  to,  and  in  consequence  of  those 

13 


(    98    ) 

establishments,  villages  have  been  laid  out,  and  towns 
have  been  contemplated.  To  prevent  injurious  spec- 
culation,  to  avert  violent  opposition,  and  to  exhibit 
dignified  impartiality  and  paternal  affection  to  your 
fellow  citizens,  it  is  proper  that  they  should  be  noti- 
fied at  once  of  your  intentions. 

3.  The  experience  of  the  late  war  has  impressed 
every  thinking  man  in  the  community,  with  the  im- 
portance of  this  communication.  The  expenses  of 
transportation  frequently  exceeded  the  original 
value  of  the  article,  and  at  all  times  operated  with 
injurious  pressure  upon  the  finances  of  the  nation. 
The  money  thus  lost  for  the  want  of  this  communica- 
tion would  have  perhaps  defrayed  more  than  one 
half  of  its  expense. 

4.  Events  which  are  daily  occurring  on  our  fron- 
tiers, demonstrate  the  necessity  of  this  work.  Is  it 
of  importance  that  our  honourable  merchants  should 
not  be  robbed  of  their  legitimate  profits;  that  the 
public  revenues  should  not  be  seriously  impaired 
by  dishonest  smuggling,  and  that  the  commerce  of 
our  cities  should  not  be  supplanted  by  the  mercantile 
establishments  of  foreign  countries  ?  then  it  is  essen- 
tial that  this  sovereign  remedy  for  maladies  so  de- 
structive and  ruinous,  should  be  applied.  It  is  with 
inconceivable  regret  we  record  the  well  known  fact, 
that  merchandise  from  Montreal  has  been  sold  to  an 
alarming  extent  on  our  borders  for  15  per  cent,  be- 
low the  New-York  prices. 

5.  A  measure  of  this  kind  wiU  have  a  benign  ten- 
dency in  raising  the  value  of  the  national  domains, 
in  expediting  the  sale,  and  enabling  the  payment 
Our  national  debt  may  thus,  in  a  short  time,  be  ex- 
tinguished. Our  taxes  of  course  will  be  diminished, 
and  a  considerable  portion  of  revenue  may  then  be 
expended  in  great  public  improvements ;  in  encou- 
raging the  arts  and  sciences ;  in  patronising  the  ope- 
rations of  industry;  in  fostering  the  inventions  of  ge- 
nius, and  in  defusing  the  blessings  of  knowledge. 

6.  However  serious  the  fears  which  have  been  en- 


(     99     ) 

tertained  of  a  dismemberment  of  the  Union  by  col- 
lisions between  the  north  and  the  south,  it  is  to  be  ap- 
prehended that  the  most  imminent  danger  lies  in 
another  direction,  and  that  a  line  of  separation  may 
be  eventually  drawn  between  the  atlantic  and  the 
western  states,  unless  they  are  cemented  by  a  com^ 
mon,  an  ever  acting  and  a  powerful  interest.  The 
commerce  of  the  ocean,  and  the  trade  of  the  lakes, 
passing  through  one  channel,  supplying  the  wants, 
increasing  the  wealth,  and  reciprocating  the  benefits 
of  each  great  section  of  the  empire,  will  form  an  im- 
perishable cement  of  connexion,  and  an  indissoluble 
bond  of  union.  New-York  is  both  atlantic  and  west- 
ern, and  the  only  state  in  which  this  union  of  interest 
can  be  formed  and  perpetuated,  and  in  which  this 
great  centripetal  power  can  be  energetically  applied. 
Standing  on  this  exalted  eminence,  with  power  to 
prevent  a  train  of  the  most  extensive  and  afflicting 
calamities  that  ever  visited  the  world,  (for  such  a 
train  will  inevitably  follow  a  dissolution  of  the  Union,) 
she  will  justly  be  considered  an  enemy  to  the  human 
race,  if  she  does  not  exert  for  this  purpose  the  high 
faculties  which  the  Almighty  has  put  into  her  hands. 

Lastly.  It  may  be  confidently  asserted,  that  this 
canal,  as  to  the  extent  of  its  route,  as  to  the  coun- 
tries which  it  connects,  and  as  to  the  consequences 
which  it  will  produce,  is  without  a  parallel  in  the  his- 
tory of  mankind.  The  union  of  the  Baltic  and  the 
Euxine ;  of  the  Red  Sea  and  the  Mediterranean ; 
of  the  Euxine  and  the  Caspian,  and  of  the  Mediterra- 
nean and  the  Atlantic,  has  been  projected  or  execu- 
ted by  the  chiefs  of  powerful  monarchies,  and  the 
splendour  of  the  design  has  always  attracted  the  ad- 
miration of  the  world.  It  remains  for  a  free  state  to 
create  a  new  era  in  history,  and  to  erect  a  work  more 
stupendous,  more  magnificent,  and  more  beneficial^ 
than  has  hitherto  been  achieved  by  the  human  race. 
Character  is  as  important  to  nations  as  to  individuals, 
and  the  glory  of  a  republic,  founded  on  the  promo- 
tion of  the  general  good,  is  the  common  property  of 
all  its  citizens. 


(    100    ) 

We  have  thus  discharged  with  frankness  and  plain- 
ness, and  with  every  sentiment  of  respect,  a  great 
duty  to  ourselves,  to  our  fellow  citizens,  and  to  pos- 
terity, in  presenting  this  subject  to  the  fathers  of  the 
commonwealth.  And  may  that  Almighty  Being,  in 
whose  hands  are  the  destinies  of  states  and  nations, 
enlighten  your  councils  and  invigorate  your  exertions 
in  favour  of  the  best  interests  of  our  beloved  country. 


To   the  Honourable  the  Senate  and  Assembly  of  the  State 
of  JVew-  York. 

During  the  late  war,  it  was  impracticable  to  carry 
on  any  further  operations  to  forward  the  objects  of 
their  appointment,  by  pursuing  the  surveys  and  levels 
heretofore  commenced  with  a  view  to  ascertain  the 
most  desirable  route  for  the  proposed  canal  from 
Lake  Erie,  to  the  tide-waters  of  the  Hudson  River. 

Referring  therefore  to  their  former  reports,respect- 
ing  the  practicability  of  effecting  this  important 
object,  they  will  briefly  add,  that  their  opinions  have 
been  confirmed  by  reflection  and  additional  inquiries 
on  the  subject.  And  particularly  so  far  as  respects 
the  cost,  they  are  satisfied  that  it  will  not  exceed  the 
calculation  they  have  already  submitted.  It  now 
remains  for  the  legislature  to  provide  means  to 
enable  the  commissioners  to  engage  a  competent 
professional  engineer  to  examine  minutely  the  whole 
of  the  ground,  and  decide  on  the  most  expedient 
route.  Experience  in  similar  operations  in  Europe, 
has  shown  that  an  error  in  regard  to  this  may  cause 
the  useless  expenditure  of  vast  sums  of  money.  The 
surveys  and  levels  which  the  commissioners  have 
caused  to  be  taken,  will  have  anticipated  what  an  en- 
gineer would  direct  as  an  indispensable,  preparatory 
work,  and  will  put  information  into  his  hands  which 
will  enable  him  at  once  to  take  such  a  view  of  the 
field  of  operation,  as  to  save  much  time  and  expense. 

These  preparatory  operations,  your  commissioners 


(    101    ) 

therefore  consider  as  essential  to  economy,  since 
they  will,  with  but  little  time  employed  in  traversing 
the  ground,  by  the  person  to  whom  the  work  will  be 
intrusted,  enable  him  to  fix  on  the  precise  route,  on 
which  the  best  judgment,  with  the  best  information, 
would  finally  determine,  with  less  danger  of  error, 
than  if  he  were  left  to  enter  on  his  business,  an 
entire  stranger  to  the  facilities  or  difficulties  which 
the  country  presents.  To  select  a  suitable  person 
to  perform  this  most  important  part  of  the  work,  will 
require  the  utmost  caution  and  deliberation.  The 
same  causes  which  suspended  the  duties  of  the 
commissioners,  have  been  the  principal  obstacles  to 
the  selection  and  employment  of  a  capable  engineer. 
There  are  few  persons  of  this  description  in  Europe, 
and  there  is  every  inducement  for  preferring  our  own 
countrymen,  if  the  requisite  scientific  and  practical 
knowledge  can  be  formed. 

From  the  number  and  the  respectability  of  the 
applications  now  before  the  legislature  in  favour  of 
an  immediate  commencement  and  vigorous  prose- 
cution of  this  great  national  work,  it  is  evident  that 
the  immense  advantages  which  would  result  from  its 
completion,  are  duly  appreciated  by  our  fellow  citi- 
zensf  and  itonly  remains  for  the  legislature  to  sanc- 
tion,by  their  approval,an  undertaking  which  combines 
in  one  object  the  hoaour,  interest,  and  political  emi- 
nence of  the  state. 

In  a  time  of  peace  like  the  present,  the  commis- 
sioners have  the  most  undoubted  assurance,  that  a 
loan  on  the  credit  of  the  state  can  be  obtained  for  a 
million  of  dollars,  with  which  to  commence  the  work, 
and  for  as  much  more  thereafter  as  may  be  required, 
at  a  rate  of  interest  at  or  under  six  per  cent.  Perhaps, 
however,  better  means  may  be  devised ;  and  they 
beg  leave  to  remind  the  legislature,  that  the  lands 
already  offered  to  them  by  private  individuals  near 
whose  property  the  canal  will  pass,are  very  valuable, 
and  that  further  similar  donations  may  be  season- 
ably expected.     If  it  should  be  judged  expedient  to 


(    102    ) 

make  that  part  of  the  canal  first,  which  is  best  calcu- 
lated to  yield  an  immediate  and  most  profitable  return 
for  the  expense,  the  Commissioners  are  of  opinion 
that  the  route  from  Rome  to  the  Seneca  river  will 
be  the  most  elegible;  and  would  moreover  have  the 
most  immediate  tendency  to  divert  the  trade  from 
passing  down  the  Oswego  river  to  lake  Ontario  and 
Montreal :  to  permit  which  would  be  improvidently 
to  abandon  to  a  foreign  and  rival  nation,  commercial 
advantages  which  ages  may  not  enable  us  to  reclaim. 
The  difficulty  of  diverting  the  fixed  currents  of  trade 
is  obvious  and  well  known;  and  the  importance  of  the 
policy  of  directing  that  of  the  western  section  of  the 
state  to  the  Hudson,  is  equally  evident :  and  the  com- 
missioners conceive  that  the  present  moment,  while 
this  section  of  the  state  is  yet  comparatively  in  its 
infancy,  is  most  favourable  for  forming  and  establish- 
ing such  connexions  between  the  lakes  and  our 
atlantic  waters,  as  will  effectually  disappoint  the  views 
of  our  rivals,  and  promote  the  honour  and  advantage 
of  the  state. 

While  the  commissioners  cannot  express,  in  terms 
sufficiently  emphatic,  their  ideas  of  the  incalculable 
benefits  which  will  arise  from  a  canal  navigation  be- 
tween the  great  western  lakes  and  the  tide  waters  of 
the  Hudson,  they  fully  appreciate  the  advantages  of 
connecting  the  waters  of  Champlain  and  the  Hudson. 
And  they  most  respectfully  represent  to  the  legisla- 
ture the  expediency  of  adopting  such  preliminary 
measures  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  accomplish- 
ment of  this  important  object. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 
Signed,  S.  V,  RENSSELAER, 
DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
SIMEON  DE  WITT, 
W.  NORTH, 
THOMAS  EDDY, 
PETER  B.  PORTER, 
CHARLES  D.  COOPER. 
March,  181&«  ' 


REPORT 

or   THE 

THE  Commissioners  constituted  by  the  act,  entitled  ^^  j9n  act 
to  provide  for  the  improvement  of  the  internal  naviga,- 
tion  of  this  State,''"'  passed  this  llth  April,  1816,  most 
respectfully  present  the  following  Report  to  the  Legisla- 
ture, being  "  a  plain  and  comprehensive  Report  of  their 
proceedings,''''  as  required  by  the  said  act. 

The  duties  enjoined  upon  the  commissioners,  are — 

1st.  To  devise  and  adopt  such  measures  as  shall 
be  requisite  to  facilitate  and  effect  a  communication, 
by  canals  and  locks,  between  lake  Erie,  and  the  na- 
vigable waters  of  Hudson's  river,  and  also  between 
lake  Champlain  and  the  said  navigable  waters. 

2d.  To  examine  and  explore  the  country,  for  the 
purpose  of  determining  the  most  eligible  routes  for 
the  contemplated  canals ;  to  cause  surveys  and  levels 
to  be  taken,  and  maps,  field  books,  and  draughts  to 
be  made,  and  to  adopt  and  recommend  proper  plans 
for  the  construction  and  formation  of  the  said  canals, 
and  of  the  locks,  dams,  embankments,  tunnels,  and 
aqueducts;  and  to  cause  all  necessary  plans,  models, 
and  draughts  thereof  to  be  executed. 

3d.  To  calculate  and  estimate  the  expense  of  the 
above  operations. 

4  th.  To  ascertain  whether  to  any,  and  to  what 
amount,  and  upon  what  terms,  loans  of  money  can 
be  procured,  on  the  credit  of  the  state,  for  the  above 
purposes — and, 

5th.  To  apply  for  donations  ©f  land  or  money,  in  aid 
of  those  undertakings,  to  the  United  States,  to  states 
interested,  to  corporate  bodies,  and  to  individuals. 

The  commissioners  met  in  New-York,  on  the  17th 
day  of  May  last,  and  after  having  organized  the 


(    104    ) 

board,  they  conceived  it  best  to  effect,  if  practica- 
ble, the  objects  of  the  legislature,  in  the  course  of 
the  seasons. — With  this  view,  they  agreed  to  appoint 
three  engineers  for  the  Erie,  and  one  for  the  Cham- 
plain  canal ;  each  engineer  to  be  assisted  by  a  sur- 
veyor and  a  competent  number  of  hands.  The  Erie 
canal  was  divided  into  three  great  sections,  and  one 
engineer  assigned  to  each ;  the  western  section  ex- 
tending from  Lake  Erie  to  the  Seneca  river ;  the 
middle  section  from  the  said  river  to  Rome  ;  and  the 
eastern  section  from  Rome  to  the  Hudson.  In  the 
course  of  their  investigations,  they  found  it  expedient 
to  appoint  a  fourth  engineer,  to  explore  and  survey 
the  country  from  Buffalo  to  the  east  line  of  the  Hol- 
land purchase,  on  the  south  side  of  the  mountain 
ridge,  it  being  represented  that  this  route  might  be 
preferable  to  that  on  the  north  side. 

The  best  artificial  navigation  in  the  United  States 
being  the  Middlesex  canal,  in  Massachusetts,  two  of 
the  commissioners,  accompanied  by  two  of  the  en- 
gineers, proceeded  to  examine  it,  in  order  to  obtain 
practical  information  on  the  subject. 

Another  meeting  of  the  commissioners  was  held  at 
Utica,  on  the  15th  day  of  July :  after  which,  three  of 
them  explored,  in  person,  the  principal  and  most  im- 
portant parts  of  the  route  of  the  western  canal,  and 
superintended  and  directed  the  general  operations 
of  the  engineers.  And  in  the  course  of  the  season, 
two  of  those  commissioners  attended,  in  like  manner, 
to  the  northern  canal,  while  their  colleagues  con- 
tinued to  devote  their  attendance  to  the  concerns 
of  the  other. 

The  dimensions  of  the  western  or  Erie  canal  and 
locks,  ought,  in  the  opinion  of  the  commissioners, 
to  be  as  follows,  viz. — width  on  the  water  surface, 
forty  feet:  at  the  bottom,  twenty-eight  feet,  and  depth 
of  water,  four  feet ;  the  length  of  a  lock,  ninety  feet, 
and  its  width,  twelve  feet  in  the  clear.  Vessels  carry- 
ing one  hundred  tons,  may  navigate  a  canal  of  this 
size :  and  all  the  lumber  produced  in  the  country, 
and  required  for  market,  may  be  transported  upon  it. 


(     105    ) 

The  route  of  the  canal,  as  explored  has  been  care- 
fully designated  by  bench  marks,level  pegs,  and  other 
fixtures;  and  in  obedience  to  special  instructions, 
given  by  the  commissioners,  shafts  have  been  sunk  in- 
to the  earth  in  various  places,  to  ascertain  its  nature, 
with  a  view  to  a  just  estimation  of  the  labour  re- 
quired, and  of  the  expense  to  be  incurred ;  and  great 
pains  have  been  taken  to  collect  all  the  facts  which 
might  be  requisite  to  elucidate  the  facilities  in  favour, 
and  the  impediments  in  the  way,  of  this  great  under- 
taking. 

From  their  own  examination,  the  commissioners 
determined  that  it  would  be  expedient  to  connect 
the  west  end  of  the  great  canal  with  the  waters 
of  Lake  Erie,  through  the  mouth  of  Buffalo  creek. 
In  adopting  this  determination,  they  were  influenced 
by  the  following  considerations :  It  is  important  to 
have,  at  that  end,  a  safe  harbour,  capable,  without 
much  expense,  of  sufficient  enlargement  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  all  boats  and  vessek,  that  a  very 
extensive  trade  may  hereafter  require  to  enter  and 
exchange  their  lading  there.  The  waters  of  Lake 
Erie  are  higher,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Buffalo,  than 
they  are  at  Bird  island,  or  any  point  further  down  the 
Niagara;  and  every  inch  gained  in  elevation  will 
produce  a  large  saving  in  the  expense  of  excavation, 
throughout  the  Lake  Erie  level. 

That  section  of  the  route  which  extends  from  Buf- 
falo to  the  east  line  of  the  Holland  purchase,  and 
lying  south  of  the  mountain  ridge,  as  before  descri- 
bed, was  explored  by  William  Peacock,  Esq.  as  en- 
gineer, under  the  superintendence  of  Joseph  Ellicott, 
Esq.  one  of  the  commissioners^  who  had  been  pre- 
viously requested,  by  a  vote  of  the  board,  to  afford 
such  superintendence.  In  the  details  of  this  section, 
reference  is  made  to  Mr.  Ellicott's  report  to  the  presi- 
dent of  the  board,  and  to  the  field  notes,  draughts, 
maps,  and  remarks  of  the  said  engineer,  all  of  which 
are  herewith  presented. 

Beginning,  then,  at  a  point  in  the  little  Buffalo 

14 


'vt 


(    106    ) 

creek,  marked  F,  on  the  map,  and  extending  two 
miles  to  the  southern  extremity  of  Black  Rock,  mark» 
ed  G,  the  line  of  the  canal  passes  over  a  marsh,  of 
which  more  than  two  feet  of  the  surface  consists  of 
light  muck  resting  upon  a  strong  bed  of  clay,  suita- 
ble for  brick.  The  average  depth  of  cutting,  for 
this  distance,  will  be  nearly  ten  feet.  To  perform 
it  will  require  the  excavation  of  33,350  cords  of 
earth,  which  is  estimated  at  ^  112  1-2,  and  would 
cost  $  37,581 

From  G  to  E,  on  the  map  is  a  mile,  and  includes 
the  margin  of  Niagara  river,  at  Black  Rock.  The 
rock  here  is  composed  of  limestone,  mixed,  in  the 
upper  stratum,  with  flint ;  and  as  the  average  depth 
of  cutting  will  be  five  feet,  there  must  be  excavated 
49,960  perches  of  stone.  At  62  V2  cents  per  perch, 
this  would  cost  $  30,600 

It  is  believed,  however,  that  by  erecting  a  wall  near 
the  river,  and  puddling  it  for  the  lower  bank,  the 
canal  may  be  made,  for  this  mile,  af  an  expense  not 
exceeding  half  of  the  above  estimate. 

From  the  letter  E,  at  Black  Rock  ferry,  to  L,  at 
the  Tonewanta  creek,  the  line  of  the  canal  contin- 
ues along  the  margin  of  Niagara  river,  the  distance 
being  thirteen  miles.  A  part  of  this  distance  will  be 
completed,  by  moving  earth  enough  to  form  the  low- 
er bank  of  the  canal  only ;  nevertheless,  to  cover 
the  expense  of  making  culverts  and  small  embank- 
"Tiients,  at  several  creeks  which  cross  the  canal  line, 
the  average  depth  of  excavation  is  calculated  at  five 
feet.  This  calculation  will  require  the  removal  of 
80,600  cords  of  earth,  which,  at  one  dollar,  would 
amount  to  $  80,600 

At  L.  it  is  proposed  to  erect  a  dam,  across  the  creek 
of  sufficient  height  to  raise  the  waters  thereof  to  the 
level  of  Lake  Erie.  This  height  would  be  four  feet 
deep  and  sixty-eight  hundredths ;  and  the  expense  of 
the  dam  is  estimated  at  $  8,500 

Such  a  dam  would  produce  a  level  surface,  of  from 
fourteen  to  twenty  perches  wide,  and  an  abundant 


(    107     ) 

depth  of  water  for  seventeen  miles  up  the  Tonewan- 
ta,  to  R.  Both  banks  of  this  creek  are  bold  ;  a  towing 
path  might  be  made  on  either  for  ^600  per  mile,  and 
would  therefore  cost  for  the  whole  distance  ^10,200. 
Thus  might  the  canal  be  completed,  for  seventeen 
miles,  by  using  the  bed  of  this  creek,  of  the  ex- 
pense of  $18,700 

In  most  cases,  experience  is  decidedly  against  ma- 
king use  of  the  channels  of  natural  streams,  on  any 
part  of  the  route  of  canal  navigation.  These  streams 
are  so  apt  to  produce  injury  to  the  artificial  works 
with  which  they  are  connected,  by  freshets  in  the 
spring,  with  a  strong  and  muddy  current,  by  want  of 
water  in  the  fall,  and  the  sudden  changes  to  which 
they  are  liable  at  all  seasons,  that  they  should  be 
avoided,  except  as  feeders,  almost  when  it  is  practi- 
cable. But  always  to  these  remarks  the  Tonewanta 
affords  an  exception.  After  the  dam  is  built  near  its 
mouth,  that  part  of  it  which  it  is  intended  to  use,  will 
have  much  more  the  character  of  a  quiet  narrow  bay, 
or  an  artificial  canal,  than  of  a  natural  stream ,-  and 
to  give  it  still  more  of  this  character,  provision  might 
be  made,  with  very  little  expense,  at  the  point  where 
its  waters  are  first  subservient  to  the  canal,  to  turn 
all  its  superfluous  freshets  and  floods  down  the  Oak 
Orchard  creek,  into  lake  Ontario. 

The  expense  of  a  lock  near  the  dam,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  facilitating  the  navigation  from  Scholosser  to 
Lake  Erie,  would  be  %  1 0,000 

At  R,  on  the  Tonewanta,  thirty-three  miles  from 
the  west  end  of  the  canal,  the  Lake  Erie  level  termi- 
nates. From  this  place  to  C,  on  the  summit  level 
between  Lake  Erie  and  the  Genesee  river,  is  twelve 
miles.  In  this  distance  locks  must  be  constructed  for 
a  rise  of  seventy-four  feet  and  eighty  hundredths.  It 
would  probably  be  expedien^to  divide  this  rise  equal- 
ly between  ten  locks,  in  which  case  the  lift  of  each 
would  be  seven  feet  and  forty-eight  hundredths.  Of 
these  locks  three  might  be  placed  at  R,  four  at  C,  and 
the  remaining  three  at  some   convenient  place  or 


(    108    ) 

places  between.  The  expense  of  them  would  not  ex- 
ceed ;S  100,000.  Between  R,  and  C,  the  country  is  re- 
markably even.  The  average  quantity  of  earth  to  be 
excavated  in  each  mile  of  this  part  of  the  route,  is  es- 
timated at  3,786  cords ;  which,  as  the  plough  and 
scraper  might  be  almost  exclusively  u^ed,  would  not 
cost  more  than  sixty-two  and  a  half  cents  per  cord. 
At  this  rate,  twelve  miles,  the  distance  between  R, 
and  C,  would  cost  $  28,275 

The  length  of  the  summit  level,  from  C,  to  B,  is 
seventeen  miles, ;  and  it  passes  over  a  country  so 
very  level,  that  an  average  depth  of  four  feet  of  ex- 
cavation is  all  that  will  be  required.  To  effect  this, 
the  removal  of  5,550  cords  of  earth  per  mile,  will  be 
necessary,  and  such  removal  may  be  performed  for 
seventy-five  cents  per  cord,  amounting,  for  seventeen 
miles,  to  $  64,387 

From  D,  on  the  Tonewanta  creek,  to  C,  on  the 
west  end  of  the  summit  level,  it  is  intended  to  con- 
struct a  feeder  sixteen  feet  wide  and  four  feet  deep. 
The  length  of  this  feeder  will  be  four  miles  and  sixty 
chains,  and  2,640  cords  of  earth  per  mile  must  be 
removed  in  order  to  complete  it;  at  seventy-five 
cents  per  cord,  this  would  cost  $  9,443 

From  the  end  of  the  canal,  at  Buffalo,  to  B,  at  the 
east  end  of  the  summit  level,  west  of  the  Genesee  ri- 
ver, is  sixty-two  miles.  In  his  report  relating  to  this 
section,  Mr.  Ellicott  observes,  that  in  the  preceding 
estimates  of  expense  little  has  been  left  to  conjec- 
ture. The  aggregate  amount  of  these  estimates  is 
$379,523.  To  which  he  adds;  for  grubbing  and 
clearing  ;  for  conducting  Bigelow's  and  Spring  creeks 
into  the  summit  level,  near  its  east  end,  and  for  pay 
of  engineer,  and  officers  to  superintend  the  execu- 
tion of  the  work,  ^70,477 
making  the  entire  expense  of  these  sixty  two  miles 

.  •^  ^450,000 

It  wdl  be  observed,  that  if  the  canal  takes  the  di- 
rection here  indicated,  it  will  be  raised  seventy-four 
ieet  and  eighty-hundredths  above  the  level   of  lake 


(    109    ) 

Erie,  in  which  case  recourse  must  be  had  to  other 
reservoirs  for  its  supply  of  water.  Common  prudence 
demands,  that  upon  this  subject  every  doubt  should 
be  removed,  before  this  route  is  definitively  adopted. 
Mr.Ellicott  has  had  the  sources  of  this  supply  guaged 
with  great  care,  during  the  driest  part  of  the  last 
season,  which  has  been  more  remarkable  for  se- 
vere drought  than  any  ever  before  experienced  in 
that  part  of  the  state. 

Independently  of  waters  deemed  sufficient  to  re- 
pair the  waste  occasioned  by  evaporation  and  soak- 
age,  these  sources  consist  of  ten  streams  naturally 
flowing,  or  capable  of  being  conducted  into  the  sum- 
mit level.  When  these  streams  were  guaged,  they 
afforded  in  the  aggregate  253,435  cubic  feet  of  water 
per  hour,  which  would  fill  six  hundred  and  seventy- 
three  locks  every  day,  and  provide  for  the  passage 
of  1,209,600  tons  during  eight  months,  in  boats  of 
thirty  tons  burden.  Besides,  the  raising  of  one  of  the 
canal  banks  to  the  necessary  height  for  a  towing  path, 
on  the  summit  level,  would  produce  the  flooding  of 
more  than  a  thousand  acres  of  land,  which  as  a  re- 
servoir, together  with  the  hourly  discharge  of  the 
streams  above-mentioned,  would  be  abundantly  suf- 
ficient for  all  the  wants  of  this  level. 

From  the  east  end  of  this  level,  down  the  valley  of 
Black  creek,  and  along  the  west  banks  of  the  Gene- 
see river,  to  the  point  where  the  route  explored  north 
of  the  mountain  ridge  passes  that  river,  the  face  of 
the  country  has  not  been  scientifically  examined.  It 
is  well  known,  however,  to  present  no  serious  impe- 
diments to  the  construction  of  a  canal;  and  its  facili- 
ties are  thought  to  be  such,  that  if  the  difficulties 
occurring  on  the  summit  level  do  not  prevent,  the 
canal  should  certainly  take  this  direction.  The 
length  of  this  unexamined  section  would  be  about 
thirty  miles ;  and  it  would  require  locks  for  a  fall  of 
one  hundred  and  thirty-nine  feet  and  eighty  hun- 
dredths. The  expense  of  these  locks  might  be  esti- 
mated at  jg;  150,000 


(    110    ) 

and  all  other  expenses  of  this  distance  at  $6,000 
per  mile,  180,000 

making  the  entire  cost  from  lake  Erie  to  the 
Genesee  river,  in  this  direction,  780,000 

'  At  a  point  eleven  miles  up  the  Tonewanta  creek, 
from  its  mouth,  that  section  of  the  route  assigned  to 
James  Geddes,  Esquire,  as  engineer,  commences,  and 
extends  eastward  to  the  Seneca  river.  In  the  details 
of  this  section,  reference  is  made  to  the  minutes, 
maps,  profiles  and  draughts  of  the  said  engineer, 
herewith  presented. 

Pursuing  this  route,  the  canal  never  rises  above  the 
lake  Erie  level.  It  would,  therefore,  derive  its  wa- 
ters, until  it  descends  to  the  Genesee  level,  and  as 
much  further  as  may  be  necessary,  from  that  never- 
failing  reservoir. 

Map  No.  I,  includes  six  miles  and  forty-two  chains 
of  the  route,  on  this  section. 

I  From  the  place  of  its  commencement,  at  the  dis- 
tance of  five  miles  and  sixty-four  chains,  this  route 
reaches  the  brow  of  the  mountain  ridge.  For  the 
first  forty-four  chains  of  this  distance,  it  falls  in  the 
channel  of  a  small  stream,  and  twenty-two  chains  the 
channel  of  that  stream  is  sufficiently  wide  and  deep 
for  the  canal.  But  a  towing  path  on  its  margin  would 
cost  %1  50  per  chain,  $165 

To  give  the  other  twenty-two  chains  the  average 
width  and  depth  of  the  canal,  2438  cubic  yards  of 
earth  must  be  excavated,  at  eighteen  cents ;  this 
would  cost  $440 

Add  for  towing  path,  at  the  same  rate  as  above,  165 
The  expense  of  the  next  thirty  chains,  as  a  little  deep 
cutting  is  to  be  encountered  in  it,  is  estimated  at 
$  30  ]  8.  At  this  place,  seventy-four  chains  northerly  from 
the  Tonewanta  creek,  commences  the  deep  cutting,, 
which  continues  four  miles  and  seventy  chains  to  the 
brow  of  the  ridge  above-mentioned,  and  there  termi- 
nates the  lake  Erie  level,  in  this  direction. 

As  the  excavation  of  the  canal,  through  this  distance, 
constitutes  one  of  the  most  serious  difficulties  pre- 


(  1"  )• 

sented  on  the  whole  route,  great  pains  have  been  ta- 
ken to  avoid  all  impracticable  data  of  calculation  re- 
lating to  it,  and,  at  the  same  time,  to  give  to  the  work 
such  dimensions  and  construction  as  may  be  required, 
with  the  greatest  attainable  economy.  Throughout 
this  deep  cutting,  the  calculations  embrace  a  width 
of  water  on  the  surface  of  the  canal  of  twenty-seven 
feet ;  a  bank  from  the  bottom  to  an  elevation  of  five 
feet  on  each  side,  of  such  a  slope  as  that  twelve  inch- 
es rise  will  give  a  base  of  eighteen  inches ;  a  recess  at 
this  elevation,  in  one  bank  of  two  feet,  and  in  the 
other  of  one  ;  and  an  ascent  of  both  banks  from  these 
recesses,  to  the  natural  surface  of  the  earth,  at  an  an- 
gle of  forty-five  degrees  with  the  horizon.  The  earth 
here  consists  of  a  stiff  brown  clay,which  in  the  banks 
of  the  Tonewanta,  stands  fifteen  feet  high  at  a  steep- 
er slope  than  the  one  above  proposed  for  the  canal 
banks  above  the  water.  Of  the  recesses,  the  least 
is  for  a  berm,  the  largest  for  a  towing  path,  to  be  com- 
pleted in  a  manner  described  below. 

In  order  to  conform  to  these  calculations,  the  first 
sixty-one  chains  of  this  deep  cutting,  which  rises  from 
fourteen  to  seventeen  feet  above  the  bottom  of  the 
canal,  would  require  the  excavation  of  68,106  cubic 
yards ;  but  as  there  flows  through  this  distance  a 
brook,  which  has  scooped  out  a  channel  averaging 
three  feet  deep  by  thirty  feet  wide,  there  may  be 
deducted  13,380  cubic  yards  from  the  number  above 
stated,  leaving  to  be  actually  excavated  54,726,which 
at  twenty-five  cents,  will  cost  $  13,681 

For  the  next  forty  chains  and  twenty  links,  the 
depth  of  cutting  will  average  eighteen  feet,  and  ma- 
king for  this  distance  a  deduction,  on  account  of  the 
channel  of  the  brook,  at  nearly  the  same  rate  as  above 
the  number  of  yards  to  be  excavated  will  be  60,000, 
which  at  twenty  seven  cents,  wil]  cost  $  1 6,200 

For  the  next  forty-eight  chains  and  eighty  links,  the 
average  depth  is  nineteen  feet  seventy-five  hun- 
dredths; number  of  yards  to  be  excavated  97,442; 
which  at  twenty-eight  cents,  will  cost  ^  26,983 


(     112    ) 

For  the  next  two  hundred  and  forty  chains,  the 
ave  age  depth  is  twenty-five  feet ;  number  of  yards 
to  be  excavated  687,866,  at  thirty-one  cents,  will 
cost  $213,238 

The  medium  expense  of  excavating  a  cubic  yard 
of  earthy  in  this  deep  cutting,  has  been  adopted  from 
an  estimate  of  the  expense  of  such  excavation  to  four 
different  depths  below  the  surface,  viz :  to  6  1-4  feet 
to  12  1-2  feet,  to  18  3-4  feet  and  to  twenty-five  feet ; 
and  the  medium  expense  of  such  excavation  to  the 
first  depth  is  estimated  at  16  cents  ;  to  the  second  at 
28  cents ;  to  the  third  at  36  cents ;  to  the  fourth  at 
46  cents  which  makes  in  the  whole  124  cents ;  divide 
the  aggregate  of  these  sums  by  4  and  the  medium  is 
31,  which  is  the  rate  per  yard  adopted,  for  the  most 
part,  in  the  above  calculations ;  and  where  it  is  not 
to  avoid  fractions,  a  rate  somewhat  higher  has  been 
adopted. 

In  effecting  this  excavation,  it  is  proposed  to  use 
the  machine  described  in  page  eighty  two  of  a  pub- 
lication entitled  "  A  treatise  on  Internal  Navigation," 
&c.  To  the  above  items  of  expense,  therefore,  add, 
for  making  the  machine,  keeping  it  in  repair,  and 
moving  it  as  may  be  wanted,  ^2,500 

To  construct  a  towing  path  through  this  deep  cut- 
ting, it  will  be  necessary  to  erect  a  dry  stone  wall, 
on  the  side  of  the  largest  recess  Above  mentioned, 
three  and  a  half  miles  long.  This  wall  should  be 
thirty  inches  thick  at  the  bottom,  twenty  four  at  the 
top,  and  six  feet  high.  Let  it  be  laid  two  feet  below 
the  water,  to  prevent  injury  by  frost,  and  four  feet 
above  with  a  suitable  battering ;  fill  up  the  space 
between  it  and  the  recess,  and  then  the  wall :  the  re- 
cess and  the  space  between  them  filled  up,  will  form 
a  towing  path  six  feet  wide.  Such  a  wall  would 
consume  10,080  perches  of  stone,  after  they  are  laid 
up.  They  may  be  laid  up  at  eighty-seven  and  an 
half  cents  per  perch,  amounting  to  $8,820 

The  stone  could  be  furnished,  from  the  north  end  of 
the  deep  cutting,  without  any  expense,  except  that 


(    "3    ) 

of  moving  them  to  the  line  of  the  wall,  which,  estima- 
ted at  two  dollars  per  cord,  and  making  an  allowance 
for  waste  of  more  than  twenty -five  per  cent,  would 
amount  to  ^5040 

For  one  mile  and  thirty  chains  of  this  deep  cut- 
ting, no  expense  of  erecting  a  wall  to  support  the 
towing  path  is  estimated.  By  sinking  shafts,where  the 
ground  is  dry,  and  sounding  it  with  a  pole  where  it  is 
not,  in  various  places,  from  the  brow  of  the  precipice 
southerly,  it  is  found,  that  a  rock  of  limestone  must 
be  excavated  for  that  distance,  lying  at  from  one  to 
ten  feet  below  the  surface.  But  the  number  of  cubic 
yards  to  be  excavated  in  this  rock  will  be  so  much 
diminished  by  making  the  banks  perpendicular,  that 
after  allowing  a  recess  in  one  of  them  for  a  towing 
path  six  feet  wide,  and  calculating  the  expense  of 
such  excavation  at  seventy-two  cents  per  yard,  which 
it  is  believed  will  be  warranted  by  the  data  afforded 
in  the  two  letters  from  Mr.  Porter  and  the  Messrs. 
Browns,  subjoined  to  this  report,  the  extra  expense  of 
this  one  mile  and  thirty  chains  will  be  $  25,000 

At  the  end  of  this  deep  cutting  the  line  of  the  canal 
descends  i)6  feet  to  the  level  of  Genesee  river;  and 
this  descent  is  calculated  to  be  effected  by  8  locks, 
of  which  the  whole  expense  is  estimated  at  ^73,586 
The  remainder  of  the  route,  on  this  map,  is  51 
chains,  which  exhibits  an  uneven  surface,  requiring, 
however,  no  considerable  embankment  or  deep  cut- 
ting, but  in  some  places  rugged  with  stone.  The 
expense  of  it  is  estimated  at  ^5,610 

Many  bridges  will  be  required  across  this  canal, 
but  they  need  not  be  expensive.  Make  two  stone 
abutments  22  feet  apart;  let  6  feet  between  them 
serve  for  a  towing  path,  leaving  16  feet  in  width  of 
water ;  let  string  pieces  be  laid,  from  one  of  these 
abutments  to  the  other,  in  sufficient  numbers  and  size 
to  support  a  flooring  20  feet  wide ;  make  this  flooring 
of  plank ;  over  the  whole  place  a  suitable  ^  railing ; 
and  the  average  expense  of  such  bridges  will  not  ex- 
ceed poo. 

15 


(    114    ) 

Much  of  the  route  of  the  canal  will  pass  thuough 
woods,  or  land  newly  cleared.  Considerable  expense 
in  grubbing  and  clearing,  will  therefore  be  incurred.— 
This  expense  will  be  estimated  at  j^lOOO  per  mile. 

Add,  therefore,  to  the  foregoing  items  of  expense 
the  cost  of  one  bridge,  ^300 

grubbing  and  clearing  6  miles  and  42  chains  6^525 
and  the  aggregate  amount  of  expenses  through  the 
first  map  will  be  g!  40 1,271 

Map  No.  2,  includes  7  miles  and  34  chains.  From 
the  beginning  of  the  route  on  this  map  easterly,  the 
extra  expenses  only  will  be  estimated,  in  the  first 
place,  and  afterwards  the  expense  of  excavatioii 
common  to  every  mile,  will  be  added. 

At  D,  a  hill,  composed  of  a  yellow  slate  gravel,  is 
to  be  cut  through,  where  6,450  yards  of  earth  must  be 
ttioved,  at  20  cents,  $  1,290 

The  next  difficulty  occurs  in  34  chains  of  side-lying 
ground,  of  which  the  declivity  is  such,  that  a  base 
line  of  22  feet  gives  a  perpendicular  line  of  ten  and 
an  half  feet.  Here  it  is  proposed  to  erect  two  dry 
stone  walls  to  support  the  two  banks  of  the  canal. 
If  these  walls  are  15  feet  high,  they  may  be  placed 
so  far  apart  as  to  give  a  width  of  water  on  the  surface 
of  the  canal  exceeding  30  feet,  and  aflbrd  all  need- 
ful support  to  the  banks.  Make  them  3  feet  thick, 
and  they  will  consume  7480  cubic  yards  of  stone. 
Stone  of  the  best  quality,  and  in  great  abundance, 
are  to  be  found  at  the  east  end  of  the  proposed  walls, 
and  it  is  believed  that  they  may  be  moved  and  laid 
up,  at  ^1  40  per  yard,  $  10,472 

Over  a  small  stream,  which  falls  into  the  Eighteen 
mile  creek,  must  be  an  embankment  of  13,839  cubic 
yards,  at  20  cents,  $  2,770 

There  are  three  other  embankments  to  be  made,, 
in  this  map,  which  may  be  estimated  at  the  price  of 
the  last,  in  the  aggregate,  $  8,310 

At  S  occurs  a  little  deep  cutting  710 

a  larger  one  near  it  is  estimated  at  1,485 

On  this  map  must  be   10  small  culverts,  1,000 

and  two  bridges,  600 


(    115    ) 

Between  E  and  D.  the  slope  of  the  hills  is  such  as 
to  require  some  extra  expense ;  and  between  W  and 
V  the  ground  is  stony  and  uneven.  Both  of  these 
places  are  estimated  at  the  sum  of  $  6,000 

For  grubbing  and  clearing  6  miles  and  40  chains,  6,500 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map  $  39,137 

Map  No.  3,  includes  6  miles  and  1 1  chains.  The 
deep  cuttings,  on  this  map,  are  very  inconsiderable ; 
they  are  estimated,  in  all,  at  $  2,200 

The   contents  of  the   embankment  required  over 
the  east  branch  of  Eighteen  mile  creek,  is  10,984  cu- 
bic yards,  at  near  20  cents,  $  2,00 
Johnson's  creek  will  require   another  embankment 
of  5,700  cubic  yards,  $  912 
But  in  addition  to  these  sums  the  expense  of  large 
culverts  must  be  incurred  at  both  of  these  streams. 
In  the  bed  of  each  of  them  lie  strata  of  red  sand- 
stone, which  may  be  taken  up  in  pieces  large  enough 
to  cover  water-ways  of  sufficient   size  to  discharge 
their  floods. — The  length  of  the  water-way  at  Eigh- 
teen mile  creek,  after  due  allowance  for  wing-walls, 
must  be  90  feet;  at  Johnson's  creek  it  must  be  100 
feet.     Pouble  this  length  of  wall,  in  order  to  make  it 
on  bo       ides  of  the  water-way,  make  it  3  feet  thick, 
and  raise  it  8  feet  high,  and  then  cover  the  walls  and 
the  space  of  4  feet  between  them,  with  the  sandstone 
above-mentioned  ;  3  feet  deep,  and  the  solid  contents 
of  stone  work  required  will  be  600  perches.   For  this 
stone  work,  when  complete,  as  the  best  of  stone  lie 
very  handy,  the  expense  need  not  exceed  g  1  12  1-2 
per  perch,  in  all  ^675 
3  bridges,  900 
Grubbing  and  clearing  6  miles  and  1 1  chains     6,135' 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  $  12,824 

Map  No.  4,  includes  6  miles  and  71  chains.  At  F 
is  a  valley,  where  an  embankment  is  required,  which 
with  deep  cutting  between  D  and  C,  and  the  embank- 
ment at  C,  will  cost  gl2,400 


(    116  ) 

At  Oak  orciiard  creek,  an  aqueduct  will  be  neces- 
sary, 200  feet  in  length ;  and  it  may  be  constructed 
of  stone  abutments  and  piers  supporting  a  wooden 
superstructure,  to  be  replaced  hereafter,  perhaps, 
by  one  of  stone  or  iron.  The  bottom  of  the  creek, 
consisting  of  rock  is  28^  feet  below  the  contemplated 
surface  of  water  in  the  canal.  Good  stone  are 
here  on  the  spot,  and  two  piers  between  the  abut- 
ments, may  be  so  placed,  as  with  them  to  afibrd  three 
spaces  of  50  feet  by  23,  for  the  passage  of  the  water 
below.  This  is  the  creek  into  which  it  is  thought  ex- 
pedient to  bring  the  upper  floods  of  the  Tonewanta  : 
And  when  it  is  considered  that  its  bed  is  smooth, 
rocky,  and  of  considerable  declivity,  with  a  perpen- 
dicular fall,  two  chains  below,  of  25  feet,  the  provi- 
sion for  a  water  passage  will  probably  be  domed  ade- 
quate. The  better  to  support  the  wooden  part  of 
this  aqueduct,  with  the  least  possible  diminution  of 
the  water-way,  braces  might  be  introduced,  with  one 
end  resting  in  the  stone  work  of  the  abutments  and 
piers,  and  the  other  end  mortised  into  the  string 
pieces  sretching  across  the  spaces  between.  The 
expense  of  this  aqueduct  is  estimated  at  $  10,000 
The  deep  cutting,  at  the  east  end  of  it,  requiring  the 
moving  of  9,256  cubic  yards,  consisting  partly  of 
sandstone,  would  cost,  at  40  cents,  P,700 

The  embankment  at  the  west  end  is  estimated  at  1,144 
For  uneven  places,  west  of  Oak  Orchard  creek,  not 
heretofore  enumerated,  and  from  X  to  the  east  end 
of  the  map,  ^3,000 

For  4  small  culverts,  400 

For  2  bridges,  600 

For  grubbing  and  clearing 6 miles  and  71  chains,  6,912 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  ^28,156 

Map  No.  5,  includes  6  miles  and  73  chains.  At 
Fish  creek  an  embankment  is  required  to  contain 
5,364  cubic  yards,  which,  as  it  is  low,  and  there  is 
sufficient  deep  cutting  at  both  ends  to  supply  the 
materials  for  making  it,  is  estimated  at  15  cents,  $804 


(    H7    ) 

At  Clark's  brook  another  embankment  is  necessary, 
to  contain  10,814  cubic  yards,  at  20  cents,  Jg2,160 
There  are  three  places  on  this  map  of  steep  side-lying 
ground,  of  which  the  whole  length  is  near  a  mile, 
and  will  require  an  extra  expense  of  ^4,000 

Several  other  small  difficulties  are  estimated  at  3,000 

2  culverts,  200 

3  bridges,  900 
Grubbing  and  clearing  6  miles  and  73  chains,  6,937 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  p  8,001 

Map  No.  6,  includes  6  miles  and  68  chains.  At  the 
west  end  of  this  map  Otter  creek  crosses  the  line  of 
the  canal  in  a  valley  51  feet  below  the  level.  To 
pass  this  valley  an  embankment  is  required  of  48,024 
cubic  yards.  This  may  be  made  from  the  deep  cut- 
tings on  both  sides  of  the  valley-  but  as  part  of  the 
earth  must  be  brought  some  distance,  it  would  not  be 
safe  to  estimate  the  expense  of  raising  this  embank- 
ment at  less  than  25  cents,  12,006 
This  creek  requires  a  culvert,  with  walls  180  feet 
long,  which  would  consume,  if  properly  constructed, 
502  perches  of  stone.  These  stones  may  be  trans- 
ported more  than  two  miles,  and  may  be  estimated, 
when  laid  into  the  walls,  at  $2,  50  per  perch,  1,255 
From  L  east,  for  a  mile  and  a  quarter,  the  extra  ex- 
pense amounts  to  ^2,500 
Near  G  must  be  laid  out,  in  deep  cutting,  embank- 
ment, and  removing  sandstone,  ^2,200 
The  culvert  at  the  west  branch  of  Sandy  creek,  200 
5  small  culverts,  .  500 
2  bridges,  600 
Grubbing  and  clearing  6  miles  and  68  chains,    6,850 


Aggregate  of  extras  on" this  map,  ^26,111 

Map  No  7,  includes  7  miles  and  58  chains.  About 
a  mile  south  of  the  west  end  of  this  map  lies  Jeffer- 
son lake,  which  is  very  deep,  and  covers  fifty  acres 
of  land.  From  Genesee  river  west,  the  same  level 
continues  more  than  60  miles.    To  prevent  a  current 


(    118    ) 

either  from  this  river,  at  one  end,  or  the  waters  of 
lake  Erie,  at  the  other  end  of  so  long  a  level,  and  to 
supply  all  the  waste  of  evaporation  and  soakage,  it 
is  desirable  that  a  feeder  be  introduced  as  near  the 
middle  of  it  as  practicable.  The  outlet  of  Jefferson 
lake  might  be  converted  into  such  a  feeder,  without 
expense,  and  would  amply  supply  the  necessary  wa- 
ter. 

At  A  will  be  required  a  small  piece  of  deep  cutting, 
and  between  U  and  T,  a  much  larger  one.  This  last 
extends  26  chains,  but  lies  through  a  black  ash  swamp, 
with  a  clay  bottom,  and  a  hill  of  gravel.  The  average 
depth  of  cutting  will  be  small,  and  the  quantity  of 
earth  to  be  removed  here  and  at  A,  will  in  the  ag- 
gregate be  22,739  cubic  yards,  at  29  cents,  ^4,548 
East  of  S  is  a  hill  to  cut  through,  requiring  the  re- 
moval of  12,653  cul^c  yards,  more  difficult  than  the 
last,  at  24  cents,  ^3,036 

At  Sandy  Creek,  the  highest  embankment  that  occurs 
in  the  whole  route  will  be  necessary.  From  the  bed 
of  the  creek  to  the  top  water  line  of  the  canal,  is  70 
feet ;  but  this  embankment  will  be  short,  and  at  the 
west  end  of  it  lies  a  hill  of  gravelly  clay,  as  conve- 
nient as  possible  to  furnish  the  necessary  earth.  The 
number  of  cubic  yards  required  to  raise  this  embank- 
ment, is  73,222,  which  added  to  5,525,  the  number 
necessary  to  pass  the  canal  over  a  valley  west  of  the 
hill  above-mentioned,  make  an  aggregate  of  78,747, 
estimated  at  eighteen  cents,  ^14,174 

Here  are  large  quantities  of  excellent  stone  to  con- 
struct the  culvert  necessary  for  the  passage  of  the 
creek.  The  width  of  so  high  an  embankment,  is 
inevitably  great,  at  the  bottom,  requiring  for  a  culvert 
a  proportionate  length  of  wall. 

These  walls  here  must  be  240  feet  long.  To  complete 
them  would  consume  758  perches  of  stone,  of  which 
the  expense,  when  laid  in  the  wall,  is  estimated  at 
$1  37  1-2  per  perch,  in  all  ^1,042 

At  R  is  required  1,000 

4  bridges,  1,200 


(    119    ) 

4  small  culverts,  400 

Grubbing  7  miles  and  58  chains,  7,725 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  $33,125 

Map  No.  8,  includes  6  miles  and  18  chains  Several 
small  deep  cuttings  and  embankments  upon  it,  are 
estimated,  in  the  aggregate,  at  $6,000 

At  D,  a  hill  must  be  cut  through,  requiring  the  re- 
moval of  17,512  cubic  yards,  at  25  cents,         $4,378 
3  bridges,  900 

5  culverts,  500 

Grubbing,  5  miles  and  30  chains,  5,375 

A'ggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  $17,153 

Map  No  9,  includes  6  miles  and  42  chains. 
At  Y,  an  excavation  of  21,846 
at  R,  10,730 

at  A,  5,394 


In  all,  37,970  cubic  yards  is  ne- 

cessary. 

At  the  first  place,  the  greatest  depth  of  excavation 
is  15  feet ;  at  the  other  places,  10  feet.     These  exca- 
vations are  estimated  at  30  cents  per  yard,     $1 1,391 
At  Salmon  creek,  the  embankment  of  9,216 
at  O,  5,858 

at  Camp  brook,  12,877  cubic 

yards  is  necessary. 

They  are  estimated  at  25  cents  per  yard,  ^7,000 
Other  small  embankments  and  excavations  on  this 
map  are  estimated  at  2,400 

The  culvert  at  Salmon  creek,  480 

I      Another  at  Camp  brook,  400 

2  small  culverts,  200 

6  bridges,  1,800 

5  miles  and  40  chains  of  grubbing  and.  clear- 
ing, ^  5,500 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  $29,171 

Map  No.  10,  includes  6  miles  and  24  1-2  chains.— 


(    120    ) 

At  L,  the  surface  of  the  earth  rises  18  feet  above  the 
bottom  of  the  canal,  and  will  require  the  excavation 
of  7,589  cubic  yards.  This  earth  is  easy  to  move, 
at  30  cents,  $2,276 

Several  small  places  of  uneven  ground,  from  K  to  F, 
are  all  estimated  at  ;^ 4,000 

Rush  brook  runs  through  a  valley  26  feet  too  low, 
and  more  than  two  chains   wide.     Here  must  be  an 
embankment  of  6,000  cubic  yards,  at  20  cents,  Si ,200 
Stone  tire  not  to  be  found  near  this  place,  and  a  cul- 
vert of  suitable  size  will  cost  $480 
For  steep  side-lying  ground  near  the  east  end  of  this 
map,                                                                      $1,500 
3  culverts,  300 
2  bridges,  600 
Grubbing  and  clearing  6  miles  and  24  chains,  6,300 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  $  1 6,656 

Map  No.  11,  includes  4  miles  and  49  chains, w^est  of 
the  Genesee  river,  and  1  mile  and  55  chains  more 
easterly,  inclusive  of  the  river ;  in  all,  6  miles  and 
24  chains.  Between  K  and  I  an  embankment  is 
necessary,  to  be  6  feet  high,  for  near  1000  feet  in 
length.  It  must  contain  6222  yards,  at  20  cents,$  1,244 
At  G,  on  the  north  side  of  Fort  brook,  the  line  of 
the  canal  is  crossed  by  a  ridge,  on  which  a  lateral 
cut  may  easily  be  made  to  carry  navigation  within 
half  a  mile  of  the  harbour  at  the  mouth  of  the  Gene- 
see river.  Fort  brook  runs  in  a  ravine,  which  will  re- 
quire an  embankment  of  6000  yards,  and  which,  in- 
cluding the  necessary  culvert,  and  the  deep  cutting 
at  G,  are  estimated  at  $1,600 

From  this  brook  to  the  Genesee  river  the  surface  of 
the  ground  is  uneven,  and  may  require  an  extra  ex- 
pense of  $  1,200 


Note. — The  route  of  the  canal,  south  of  the  mountain  ridge, 
will  here  intersect  the  route  north  of  that  ridge.     The  distance 


(    121    ) 

It  is  proposed  to  pass  the  Genesee  river,  by  a  dam 
ten  feet  high,  with  a  bridge  some  distance  above  it, 
for  a  towing  path.  The  place  of  passing  is  a  few  chains 
south  of  the  village  of  Rochester.  The  width  of  the 
river  here,  when  low,  is  near  130  yards ;  when  raised 
by  the  dam,  it  will  spread  over  the  west  bank  to  a 
width  of  more  than  400  yards.  The  current  is  rapid 
and  shallow,  in  consequence  of  a  considerable  de- 
clivity in  its  rocky  bottom.  Half  a  mile  below  this 
place,  the  Messrs.  Browns  have  built  a  dam  across 
the  river,  eighteen  inches  high,  and  secured  it  im- 

form  Buffalo  to  the  point,  eleven  miles  up  the  Tonewanta  creek, 
is  27  miles 

from  that  point,  to  the  Genesee  river,  on  the  north 

route,  72  10  1-2  chs 


The  vvrhole  distance  in  that  direction  is  99m.  10  1-2  ch 

The  distance  in  the  direction  south  of  the  ridge  is  supposed  to 
be  92  miles.  The  vyhole  expense  from  Buffalo  to  the  point,  ele- 
ven miles  up  the  Tonewanta,  including  a  proportionate  part  of  the 
allowance  for  grubbing,  superintendence,  &.c.  as  estimated  on  Mr. 
Peacock's  section,  is  ^205,877.  The  whole  expense,  from  that 
point  to  the  Genesee  river,  as  estimated  on  Mr.  Gedde's  section, 
is  as  follows  :  Whole  expense  of  excavation,  for  6  miles  and  42 
chains,  g  401,271 

Total  amount  of  extras  thence  to  Genesee  R.       224,378 
Expense  of  each  mile  after  all  extras  are  cal- 
culated, for    65    miles    48  1-2  chains,  at 
g  2250,  (for  which  allowance  see  a  subse- 
quent part  of  the  Report) 


147,611 


On  this  sum  $  778,260 

Add  for  contingencies,  6  per  cent.  38,663 

For  superintendence,  draining,  and  fen- 
cing, at  the  rate  of  ^1000  per  mile  for)        72,148 
72  miles  and  10  1-2  chains, 


The  total  amount  is  $  884,057 

Which,  added  to  the  expense  from  Tonewan-  } 

ta  to  Buffalo,  above  stated,  \      205,877 

Make  the  aggregate  cost  of  the  canal  from  Buffalo  to  }  ^     -.q  g 

the  Genesee  river,  on  the  north  route,  ^  iS    '       ' 

On  the  south  route,  this  cost  is  estimated  at  780,000 

Leaving  a  balance  of  expense  in  favour  of  the  south  route,  by 
these  estimates,  of  $  309,925 

16 


(    122    ) 

moveably  to  the  rock  below,  by  large  iron  bolts,  for 
less  than  one  dollar  per  foot,  in  length.  Guided 
by  this  experience,  it  is  calculated  that  a  dam  of 
the  necessary  strength,  440  yards  long,  may  be  built 
here  for  $  8,150 

Such  a  dam,  1 0  feet  high,  would  set  the  water  back 
three  miles,  and  while  it  would  drown  but  little  land, 
would  render  the  river  navigable,  with  boats,  for 
more  than  30  miles  above.  The  top  of  it  would  serve 
as  a  waste  wier,  or  tumbling  bay,  to  discharge  the 
floods  of  the  river;  for  which  purpose,  as  well  as  re  = 
tarding  the  current  so  much  as  to  give  safety  to  the 
boats  towed  across  the  river,  its  great  length  would 
be  an  eminent  advantage.  The  bridge  for  a  towing 
path  should  be  permanent,  not  floating,  like  the  one 
over  Concord  river,  on  the  Middlesex  canal ;  but  it 
might  be  light,  and  with  so  good  a  foundation  to 
build  on  notwithstanding  the  necessity  of  security 
against  the  current  and  floodwood  of  the  spring  fresh- 
ets, it  is  estimated  at  $  1 0,000 

On  each  side  of  the  Genesee  river,  a  lock  of  three 
feet  lift  must  be  placed,  to  prevent  the  floods 
from  extending  themselves  into  the  canal  east  and 
west,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  endanger  its  banks  and 
fill  it  with  sediment.  These  locks  are  estimated 
at  ^12,000 

From  the  east  bank  of  this  river,  there  must  be 
deep  excavations  for  the  distance  of  seventy  chains. 
It  lies  through  a  black  ash  swamp,  of  which  the  up- 
per surface  is  a  black  soil  resting  on  clay.  For  a 
small  part  of  the  distance,  the  excavation  must  be 
ten  feet  deep ;  for  the  rest,  less.  The  number  of 
cubic  yards  to  be  moved  here,  is  47,055,  estimated 
at  17  cents,  $8000 

3  bridges,  900 

4  culverts,  400 
Grubbing  and  clearing  6  miles  and  24  chains,  6,300 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  ^49,794 

Map  No.  12,  includes  7  miles  and  25  chains.   Near 


(    1^3    ) 

the  west  end  of  this  map,  after  continuing  upon  one 
level  for  almost  seventy  miles,  the  line  of  the  canal 
falls  49  feet.  Here  six  locks  will  be  necessary,  esti- 
mated at  ^60,000 
Between  these  locks,andC,  are  several  places  of  deep 
cutting,  in  all  of  which,  15,600  cubic  yards  of  earth 
must  be  removed. 

This  earth  is  sand  and  loam,  at  20  cents,  ^9,120 

Stone's  creek  requires  a  culvert  estimated  at  320 
Between  B  and  A,  are  extras  requiring,  1,530 

At  Nye's  creek  an  embankment,  1,324 

And  a  large  culvert,  380 

From  this  creek  to  the  end  of  the  map,  there  are 
five  small  places  of  deep  cutting,  estimated  in  all 
at  ^2,225 

4  bridges,  1,200 

7  culverts,  700 

Grubbing  and  clearing  6  miles,  6,000 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  ^82,799 

Map  No.  13,  includes  6  miles  and  51i  chains. 
There  are  two  small  ridges  at  T  and  R,  which  will 
require  the  excavation  of  5000  cubic  yards,  at  20 
cents,  ^1000.  At  A  an  excavation  is  necessary,  157 
yards  long  at  the  bottom,  and  20  feet  deep  from  its 
summit.  The  number  of  cubic  yards  to  be  moved, 
is  13,000,  at  30  cents,  $3,900 

The  next  place  of  difficulty  in  the  Irondequot  valley, 
where  an  embankment  is  required  to  be  20  chains 
long  on  the  top,  and  from  the  lowest  part  of  the  val- 
ley, 65  feet  high.  On  the  east  side  of  this  valley 
rises  a  steep  hill,  consisting  of  sand  and  loam,  50 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  canal.  This  hill  will  fur- 
nish, in  the  most  convenient  situation,  all  the  earth  re- 
quired for  the  embankment ;  and  to  remove  this  earth, 
temporary  wooden  rail-ways  might  be  used  with 
great  advantage.  To  make  this  embankment  34  feet 
wide  at  the  top,  and  229  at  the  bottom,  it  would 
consume  147,000  cubic  yards,  which,  considering 
the  facilities  above-mentioned,  are  estimated  at  20 
cents,  ^29,400 


(    124    ) 

At  the  base  of  this  embankment  must  be  made  a  wa^ 
ter-way  with  walls  of  stone.  If  wing-walls  be  made 
15  feet  high,  at  the  ends  of  this  water-way,  its  length 
will  not  exceed  184  feet.  Calculate  three  walls  of 
that  length  each,  three  feet  thick  and  ten  feet  high, 
and  their  solid  contents  will  be  129  cords.  To  this 
add,  for  wing-walls,  and  to  cover  the  water-way,  71 
cords,  and  for  waste  at  the  rate  of  25  per  cent.  50 
cords  more,  and  the  whole  quantity  of  stone  required, 
will  be  250  cords.  This  may  be  delivered  on  the 
spot  for  $5  per  cord,  ^1,250.  Laying  it  into  the  wall 
at  87i  cents  per  perch,  ^1,144.  A  little  east  of  O, 
must  be  a  small  embankment,  to  support  which,  and 
the  natural  ridge  on  which  the  canal  runs  for  three 
and  an  half  chains  eastward,  stone  walls,  twelve  feet 
high,  will  be  necessary  on  both  sides,  ^687 

The  hill  west  of  N,  is  a  high  pile  of  sand,  of  which 
it  will  be  necessary  to  move  12,600  cubic  yards,  at 
121^  cents,  $1,383 

The  expense  of  several  small  embankments  and 
deep  cuttings,  from  M  to  the  east  end  of  this  map,  is 
estimated  at  $9,525 

7  culverts,    "  700 

3  bridges,  900 

Grubbing  and  clearing  3  miles  and  40  chains,   3,500 


Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  $53,389 

Map  No.  14,  includes  6  miles  and  26  chains.  This 
map  presents  a  deep  cutting  3  miles  long,  running 
through  a  black  ash  swamp,  of  which  the  upper  sur- 
face is  light  muck  resting  upon  a  hard  clay.  The 
depth  of  excavation  will  in  no  place  exceed  4  feet ; 
and  it  is  thought  that  the  extra  expense  required 
here  will  not  be  more  than  equal  to  the  removing 
from  the  bottom  of  the  canal,  two  and  a  half  feet  in 
depth,  of  this  excavation.  Let  this  bottom  be  eigh- 
teen feet  wide,  and  with  the  requisite  slope  of  the 
banks,  there  must  be  removed,  in  this  distance, 
31,827  cubic  yards,  estimated  at  38  cents,  $8,911 
For  other  small  expenses  on  this  map,  960 


(    125    ) 

2  bridges,  $600 

Grubbing  6  miles  and  26  chains,  6,325 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  $16,796 

Map  No.  15,  includes  6  miles  and  65  chains.  Near 
the  west  end  of  this  map,  a  feeder  may  be  introduced 
into  the  canal  from  Mud  creek..  And  if  this  feeder 
should  ever  prove  deficient,  a  correct  examination 
has  ascertained  that  this  deficiency  may  be  amply 
supplied  by  one  from  the  outlet  of  Canandaigua 
lake,  introduced  at  the  same  place.  The  feeder  from 
Mud  creek  must  be  43  chains  long,  and  if  it  is  20 
feet  wide  and  3  feet  deep,  it  will  require  the  excava- 
tion of  6,307  cubic  yards,  at  12^  cents,  $788 
Several  small  excavations  and  embankments  are  es- 
timated, in  the  aggregate,  $5,140 
At  Red  creek,  for  culverts,  600 
A  feeder  from  the  same  creek,  a  mile  long,  and 
excavated  3  feet  wide  and  three  feet  deep,  is  esti- 
mated at  $500.  On  this  map  are  4  locks,  by  which 
the  line  of  the  canal  falls  33  feet — expense  of  these 
locks,  $40,000 
1  culvert,  *  100 
4  bridges,  1,200 
Grubbing  2  miles  and  40  chains,                  2,500 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  $51,829 

Map  No.  16,  includes  8  miles  and  32  chains.    At 

fo«r  little  streams  between  the  west  end  of  this  map 

and  the  lock  east  of  B,  small  embankments  will  be 

necessary;  which,  with  steep   side-lying  ground  and 

deep-cutting,  in  the  same  distance,    are   estimated 

at  $2,000 

This   lock  will  have   a   lift  of  9  feet,  estimated 

at  10,000 

Adjoining  the  lock  east,  deep  cutting,  1,200 

At  the   end  of  this  deep  cutting,  a  feeder  may  be 

Note. — The  word  perch,  in  this  report,  uniformly  stands  for  24 
solid  feet  and  seventy-fiye  hundredths. 


(    126    ) 

conveniently  introduced,  from  Sherman's  mill-pond 
in  Mud  creek.  This  feeder  must  be  20  chains  long ; 
and  if  it  be  calculated  4  feet  in  width,  and  the  same 
in  depth,  it  will  require  the  excavation  of  782  cubic 
yards  of  earth,  at  15  cents,  ^117 

For  a  small  embankment  of  Clark's  creek,  1 00 
A  mile  east  of  this  brook  commences  a  piece  of  deep 
cutting,  36  chains  long,  very  favourably  situated  for 
disposing  of  the  excavated  earth.  The  depth  of 
excavation  nowhere  exceeds  7  1-2  feet,  and  the  num- 
ber of  cubic  yards  to  be  removed  is  19,100,  at  12  ^ 
cents,  $  2,387 

Other  uneven  places  to  the  east  end  of  the 
map,  $  1,580 

4  bridges,  ],290 

iO  culverts,  1,000 

Grubbing  and  clearing  60  chains,  750 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  g20,334 

Map  No.  17,  includes  10  miles  and  51  ^  chains. — 
At  the  west  end  of  this  map  must  be  a  lock  of  9  feet 
lift,  estimated  at  $  10,000 

All  the  small  inequalities  of  surface  between  the  lock 
and  the  hill  west  of  H,  are  estimated  at  g  2, 1 74 

At  Battey's  brook,  which  is  a  permanent  stream,  a 
feeder  may  be  brought  into  the  canal  by  a  cut  27 
chains  long.  If  this  feeder  is  6  feet  wide,  and  4  feet 
deep,  it  will  require  the  excavation  of  1,584  cubic 
yards,  at  15  cents,  $  238 

The  hill  west  of  H,  and  the  one  west  of  1,  are  com- 
posed of  sand,  and  lie  on  the  margin  of  Mud  creek. 
To  pass  through  them,  the  excavation  of  24,750  cu- 
bic yards  is  necessary,  at  15  cents,  ^3,700 
To  secure  a  passage  for  the  creek  here,  add  600 
East  of  IIP  is  a  shallow  embankment  required  of  17 
chains  in  length.  The  number  of  cubic  yards  to  be 
moved,  6,540,  at  20  cents,  $  1,308 
To  obviate  the  difficulty  presented  by  side-lying 
ground  between  this  embankment  and  K,  is  allowed 
$  1,000,    West  of  K,  a  piece  of  excavation  is  neces- 


(^127     ) 

saiy,  of  which  the  greatest  depth  is  16  feet.  The  earth 
here  consists  of  sand  and  a  yellow  slate  gravel, 
and  there  are  26,410  cubic  yards  of  it  to  remove, 
estimated  at  twenty-five  cents,  f,  6,602 

At  A,  another  lock  is  wanted,  of  five  feet  lift,  esti- 
mated at  ^7,000 
Adjoining  this  lock  on  the  east,  an  embankment  of 
5,330  cubic  yards  is  required,  at  18  cents,  ^960 
Near  the  east  end  of  this  map  occurs  a  place  of  deep 
cutting,  52  chains  in  length,  through  a  swamp, 
which  nowhere  rises  more  than  three  feet  above 
the  surface  of  the  water  in  the  canal.  It  will  re- 
quire the  excavation  of  12,520  cubic  yards,  at  15 
cents,  $1,878 
5  culverts,  500 

5  bridges,  1,500 

6  miles  of  grubbing   and  clearing,  6,000 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  $43,460 

Map  No.  1 8,  includes  7  miles  and  20  chains.  Near 
the  west  end  of  this  map  a  lock  of  9  feet  lift  is  neces- 
sary, estimated  at  $10,000 
At  the  distance  of  two  and  an  half  miles  further  east, 
must  be  placed  another  lock  of  6  feet  lift,  $7,000 
Small  embankments  and  excavations  from  the  west 
end  of  the  map  to  the  last  lock  above-mentioned, 
$  3,700  Adjoining  the  lock  on  the  east,  an  embank- 
ment over  a  small  brook,  to  contain  6,800  cubic  yards, 
is  required,  at  18  cents,  $1,224 
Between  this  embankment  and  P,  for  little  inequali- 
ties of  surface,  in  the  aggregate,  $2,000 
At  P,  an  embankment  over  a  black  ash  swamp,  630 
From  the  east  lock  above-mentioned  to  the  end  of 
this  map,  a  distance  of  near  four  miles,  some  provi- 
sion must  be  made  against  the  highest  floods  of  the 
Canandaigua  outlet,  with  which  Mud  creek  inter- 
sects at  the  village  of  Lyons.  This  provision  is  in- 
tended to  be  made,  by  giving  to  the  south  bank  of 
the  canal  an  additional  elevation  of  two  feet,  which 
will  require  a  proportionate  increase  of  width  at  its 


(    128    ) 

base.  This  enlargement  of  the  south  bank  will 
require  for  every  yard  run  of  its  continuance,  an  ex- 
tra embankment  of  9  cubic  yards,  amounting,  in  four 
miles,  at  15  cents  per  cubic  yard,  to  $9,504 

8  culverts,  800 

2  bridges,  600 

Grubbing  and  clearing  6  miles,  6000 

Aggregate  of  extras  on  this  map,  $  41,458 

Map  No.  19,  includes  6  miles  and  60  chains.  From 
the  east  end  of  it  to  the  east  side  of  the  Seneca  river, 
where  the  section  of  Mr.  Geddes  terminates,  is  two 
miles  and  6  chains,  which  are  hot  laid  down  on  a  map, 
because  they  pass  over  a  level  marsh,  where  there  is 
no  difficulty  in  choosing  the  route.  The  first  3  miles 
and  76  chains  of  this  map  run  on  a  side  hill  of  a 
gentle  slope,  presenting  few  difficulties.  For  this 
distance,  the  whole  expense  of  excavating  the  canal, 
and  forming  its  banks,  may  be  estimated  at  ^5,500 
per  mile,  in  all,  21,725 

At  the  end  of  this  side-hill,  commences  the  Cayuga 
marsh,  over  which  the  canal  is  to  be  conducted,  for  4 
miles  and  60  chains.  When  the  waters  of  Seneca 
river  are  low,  the  surface  of  this  marsh  is  about  3  feet 
above  them ;  when  they  are  highest,  in  the  spring 
floods,  it  is  near  2  feet  below  them.  x\t  the  west  end 
of  the  marsh,  the  level  of  the  canal  is  9  feet  higher 
than  the  surface  of  Seneca  river,  in  low  water.  To 
secure  a  convenient  passage  over  this  marsh  at  all 
times,  it  is  proposed  to  place  a  lock  of  4|  feet  lift  at 
its  west  end,  estimated  at  ^6,000 

From  this  lock,  eastward,  there  must  be  an  embank- 
ment sufficient  to  preserve  the  water  in  the  canal 
18  inches  above  the  general  level  of  the  marsh.  An 
excavation  40  feet  wide,  and  2|  feet  deep,  would  fur- 
nish earth  enough  for  these  banks,  calculating  them 
to  be  raised  2  feet  above  the  top-water  line  of  the 
canal,  in  order  to  guard  against  floods.  But  the 
spongy  nature  of  this  earth  renders  it  indispensable, 
that  in  both  banks  great  precaution  should  be  used 


(    129    ) 

to  prevent  leakage.  At  the  Montezuma  salt  works^ 
a  canal  has  been  dug  through  a  part  of  this  same 
marsh,  which  was  there  found  to  rest  upon  a  bed  of 
dark  blue  clay.  Let  a  partition  of  pile  plank,  then 
extending  the  whole  length  of  the  marsh,  be  driven 
through  each  of  the  banks.  If  these  plank  are  7  feet 
long,  and  driven  into  the  earth  2  feet  9  inches  below 
the  bottom  of  the  canal,  they  will  stand  3  inches  above 
the  upper  surface  of  the  water  within  the  banks. 
And  this,it  is  presumed,  would  constitute  an  adequate 
precaution  against  leakage.  Constructed  in  this  way, 
the  expense  of  one  chain  in  length,  of  both  banks,  is 
estimated  as  follows  : 

For  removing  200  cubic  yards  of  earth,  at  >  .^ 

20  cents,  ^  ^ 

924  feet  of  2  inch  pine  plank  jointed,  )  02 

grooved,  and  driven,  ^ 

Gravelling  towing  path  (which  might  j^ 

be  done  by  boats,  after  the  water  is  >  8 

let  into  the  canal,)  J 

Whole  expense  per  chain,  ^80 

Amounting  in  4  miles  and  60  chains,  to  ^30,400 

At  the  east  end  of  the  marsh  must  be  placed  another 
lock,  of  4^  feet  lift,  to  let  the  boats  which  may  navigate 
the  canal,  fall  down  to  the  level  of  Seneca  river  when 
its  waters  are  lowest ;  estimated  at  $6,000 

In  high  water  the  gates  of  this  lock  would  stand  open, 
offering  no  delay  A  bridge,  10  chains  long,  across 
the  Seneca  river,  is  all  that  remains  to  connect  this 
section  with  that  which  includes  the  route  between 
this  river  and  Rome.  For  all  the  purposes  of  a  tow- 
ing path,  this  bridge  may  be  built  as  follows :  At 
intervals  of  16^  feet  across  the  river,  drive  down  a 
pair  of  large  oak  piles;  connect  each  pair  of  these 
piles  by  framing  on  their  top  a  piece  of  timber  10 
feet  long;  stretch  across  these  pieces  of  timber,  from 
one  pair  of  piles  to  another,  4  string  peices  12  inches 
by  4,  and  cover  them  with  a  flooring  of  2  inch  oak 
plank.     The  expense  of  such  a  bridge  would  be — 

17 


(    130    ) 

For  each  pair  of  piles  delivered  on  the  spot,     gl 

Driving  them,  2 
Timber  connecting  each  pair  of  piles  and  )     . 

framed  on,  5 

4  string  pieces,  at  66  cents,  2  64 

165  feet  2  inck  plank  for  a  floor,  3   36 

Add  for  a  suitable  railing,  ]   50 

Aggregate  for  every  16^  feet,  $11  bO 

And  the  whole  expense  of  the  bridge  is  460 

Aggregate  of  estimates  on  this  map,  S  64,5  85 

It  cannot  fail  to  be  remarked,  from  the  foregoing 
details,  that  the  sources  on  which  reliance  is  placed, 
for  feeding  the  canal,  in  this  section,  are  permanent 
and  most  abundant ;  and  that  the  country  over  which 
it  runs,  exhibits  a  singular  regularity  of  surface.  The 
route  of  the  canal,  as  explored,  pursues  one  level 
for  69  miles  and  51  1-2  chains,  and  another  for  20 
miles  and  40  chains.  So  uniformly  is  the  declivity  to 
the  north,  that  from  the  foot  of  the  mountain  ridge,  to 
the  entrance  of  Mud-creek  valley,  a  distance  of  more 
than  90  miles,  no  stream  crosses  the  canal  except  in 
that  direction,  and  there  is  not  a  single  mile  in  which 
the  north  bank  of  the  canal  will  not  be  the  lowest. 

Recapitulation  of  distances  and  expenses  on  this  section. 
No.  of  Map.     Miles  &  Chains.     Extra  Expense.     Whole  Estimate, 

JJ40J,271 


1  includes 

6 

42 

2 

7 

34 

$39,137 

3 

6 

11 

12,824 

4 

6 

71 

28,156 

5 

6 

73 

18,001 

6 

6 

68 

26,111 

7 

7 

58 

33,125 

8 

6 

18 

17,153 

9 

6 

42 

29,171 

10 

6 

24 

1-2  16,656 

11 

6 

24 

49,794 

12 

7 

25 

82,799 

13 

6 

51 

1-2  53,389 

14  * 

6 

26 

16,796 

(  131  ) 

15  6    65    51,829 

16  8    32    20,334 

17  10    51  1-2  43,460 

18  7    20    41,458 

19  8    66  64,485 

Whole  distance,  136     02   1-2     jj(580,193 

From  distance  deduct  15       28  for  1st  and  19th  maps. 

Total  amount  of  extras  as  above,  ;^580,193 

Add  to  extras  for         120     54  1-2  being  at  the  rate  ) 

of  ^2,250  per  mile,  after  all  extras  are  calculated,  I       $211 ,532 

On  this  section,  which  is  in  general  very  free  from 
porous  earth,  there  are,  including  embankments, 
8  1-2  miles,  in  parts  of  which,  puddling  may  be 
required. — Little  experience,  in  relation  to  the 
expense  of  this  operation,  has  been  afforded  in  this 
country ;  but  it  is  presumed,  from  that  little,  that  the 
whole  expense  of  puddling  in  these  8  1-2  miles,  will 
not  exceed  ^30,000 

Total  of  the  foregoing  items  is  1,347,581 

Add  for  contingencies,  5  per  cent.  67,379 

Add  also  for  engineers,  superintend-  ^ 

ence,  fencing,  and  draining,  at  the  >  146,025 

rate  of  $1,000  per  mile,  y 

The  entire  expense  of  this  section  is  g  1,550,985 

The  estimate  of  $2,250  per  mile,  above  adopted, 
for  excavation,  after  all  the  extras  have  been  calcula- 
ted, is  founded  upon  a  consideration  of  the  number 
of  cubic  yards  to  be  excavated  in  a  variety  of  differ- 
ent slopes,  and  in  level  land.  A  base  of  40  feet, 
giving  a  perpendicular  of  2,28  feet,  it  is  believed 
comes  nearer  than  any  other,  to  indicating  the 
general  slope  of  this  section. — In  land  lying  on  this 
slope,  the  average  dimensions  of  the  canal,  would 
require  an  excavation,  of  which  a  cross  section  would 
contain  74,17  superficial  feet;  and  a  similar  section 
of  the  banks  would  contain  62,12  superficial  feet; 
and  in  this  case,  the  quantity  of  excavation  necessary 
in  a  mile,  would  be  about  14,500  cubic  yards.  To 
this  quantity,  has  been  added  almost  a  fourth  part, 


(    132    ) 

making  1 8,000  cubic  yards,  which,  estimated  at  1 2 
1-2  cents,  an  ample  price,  considering  that  all  the 
rough  places  are  previously  made  smooth,  and  the 
whole  line  reduced  to  the  minimum  depth  of  cutting, 
amount  to  the  ^2,250. 

The  Seneca  river,  at  low  water,  is  1 94  feet  lower 
than  Lake  Erie ;  and  to  provide  for  this  descent, 
25  locks,  besides  the  two  guard  locks  at  Genesee  riv- 
er, are  located  on  the  canal  line.  The  lift  of  some 
of  these  locks  is  small,  owing  to  the  unusual  evenness 
of  the  country.  At  places  where  there  are  embank- 
ments and  deep  cuttings,  of  which  the  dimensions 
are  not  particularly  stated,  the  calculations  have 
been  such  as  to  give  a  width  of  water,  in  the  surface 
of  the  canal,  never  less  than  27  feet.  From  the  end 
of  this  section,  eastward,  to  Rome,  there  is  a  rise,  in 
the  line  of  the  canal,  of  48  i  feet;  thence  the  line 
descends  to  the  Hudson. 

The  middle  section  of  the  canal  extends  from 
Rome  to  the  Seneca  river,  and  is  about  77  miles  in 
length.  It  was  surveyed  and  laid  out  by  Benjamin 
Wright,Esq.  who  acted  as  the  engineer.  Its  route  is  ac- 
curately delineated  in  the  maps,  profiles,  and  minutes, 
herewith  presented. 

As  a  great  part  of  the  route  of  this  section  lies 
through  low  lands,  where  the  timber  is  very  heavy, 
with  large  roots,  the  estimate  for  grubbing  and  clear- 
ing is  at  the  rate  of  ^l,.0OO  per  mile.  This  is  suppo- 
sed to  be  too  high,  as  machines  have  been  invented 
and  successfully  applied,  for  this  purpose,  which 
greatly  facilitate  labour  and  diminish  expense. 

This  section  begins  at  Rome  at  the  point  marked  A 
on  the  map.  the  red  line  designating  the  route,  by 
courses  and  distances  accurately  measured. 

Mile  Isif,  May  be  considered  as  excellent  for  a  ca- 
nal. It  requires  the  excavation  of  2,700  cubic  yards 
atl2i^cePts,  ^3,375 

For  grubbing  and  clearing  65  chains,     ], 200-$ 4,575 

Mile  2c/,  Passes  nearly  the  whole  distance  over 
swampy  or  low  ground,  which  has,  however,  general- 


(    133    ) 

\y  a  hard  gravelly  clay  bottom,  at  1^  or  2  feet  be 
low  the  surface.  Part  of  the  swamp  is  miry  trom  8 
to  10  feet  below  the  surface.  The  probability  is, 
that  owing  to  the  surface  being  so  near  a  level,  no 
puddling  will  be  necessary.  Upon  the  whole,  this 
mile  is  good  for  a  canal,  and  will  not  require  more 
than  an  average  of  4  feet  excavation — it  may  be  es- 
timated thus  : 
For  excavation  of  20,000  cubic  yards, 

at  twenty  cents,  ^4,000 

Grubbing,  &;c.  1,500—^5,500 

Mile  3d,  Passes  over  clay  and  gravel,  intersected 
with  some  spots  of  low  ground,  where  there  is  one 
foot  of  black  mud,  and  under  that,  hard  gravel  and 
clay. — In  this  distance,  a  lock  of  6  feet  descent  will 
be  necessary.  The  land,  where  this  lock  is  to  be 
located,  will  afford  an  excellent  foundation  for  a  lock, 
and  the  ground  descends  so  fast  as  to  make  it  easy 
of  excavation,  and  to  bring  the  level  of  the  lock 
chamber,  within  a  few  rods,  upon  the  surface.  An 
aqueduct  will  also  be  necessary  over  Wood  creek, 
of  the  length  of  40  or  20  feet,  which  must  be  made 
of  wood,  or  cast  iron,  laid  upon  stone  piers,  as  there 
is  not  sufficient  space  below  for  a  regular  turned 
arch  of  masonry  to  admit  the  waters  to  pass. — An 
embankment  of  510  cubic  yards  will  be  essential. 
After  passing  Wood  creek,  the  ground  is  clay  or 
gravel,  and  varies  very  little  from  the  level  to  the  end 
of  the  mile.  The  expertse  is  for  excavation  of  21,000 
cubic  yards,  at  12  ^  cents,  ^2,625 

For  grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

embankment  of  510  c.  yds.  at  20  cts.     102 
aqueduct  over  Wood  creek,  2,500 — $6,727 

Mile  ith,  Passes  over  clayey  and  gravelly  land, 
with  some  small  undulations.  There  are  2  spots 
below  the  level,  and  a  ravine  with  a  small  brook  also 
below  the  level.  Three  culverts  may  be  necessary — 
2,200  cubic  yards  of  embankment,  and  4,000  of  extra 
excavation,  in  consequence  of  cutting  off  some  small 
points  of  ridges. — 


(    134    ) 

Expense  for  3  culverts,  $300 

For  24,000  c.  yards  of  excavation,  at  20  c.3,300 
2,200  do.  embankment,  at  20  cents,        440 
grubbing,  &c.  l,500-g!5,540 

Mile  5th^  Passes  over  ground  which  is  gravelly ,mix- 
edwith  small  flat  stones,  and  its  surface  is  undulating. 
There  are  4  or  5  places  where  the  land  is  too  low, 
and  4  points  of  ridges,  where  it  is  from  2  to  6  feet  too 
high.  They  are  all  short,  and  may  be  avoided  by  a 
serpentine  course.  The  ridges  consist  of  gravel,  and 
the  valleys  of  clay.  The  water  in  Stoney  creek  is  14 
feet  below  the  level,  and  here  must  be  an  embank- 
ment 14  chains  long,  and  O^feet  high.  Two  culverts, 
of  7^  feet  diameter,  will  be  requisite  for  the  passage 
of  the  waters  of  that  creek. 
Expense  for  2  culverts,  $2,000 

for  embankment  of  5,300  c.  yds.  at  20  cts   1,060 
excavation  at  12^  cents,  3,750 

Grubbing,  &c.     "  1,500,.$8,310 

Mile  6th,  Passes  over  the  same  kind  of  ground  as 
the  last.  There  is  an  irregular  summit  between 
Stoney  creek  and  a  small  brook  in  this  mile :  and 
some  deep  cuttings  are  required  to  gain  a  good  course. 
The  brook  is  8  feet  below  the  level ;  from  it  to  the 
termination  of  the  mile,  the  ground  is  very  near  the 
level,  and  descends  gently  to  the  north.  Expense  for 
embankment  1,700  cubic  yards,  at  20  cents,  340 
For  1  culvert,  100 

excavation  of  31,000  c  yds.  at  15  cts.  4,650 
Grubbing,  &c.  1, 500-^6,590 

Mile  7th,  Passes  over  grayelly  and  sandy  soil;  good 
for  a  canal.  An  embankment  12  chains  long,  and 
averaging  5  feet  deep,  will  be  required.  The  one 
half  of  it  may  be  saved  by  a  diverging  course.  In 
the  remainder  of  the  mile  is  a  small  stream,  which 
does  not  require  a  culvert,  and  no  extra  excavation 
is  necessary.  Expense  for  embankment  of  9,200 
cubic  yards,  at  20  cents,  1,840 

For  3  culverts,  300 

excavation  of  20,500  c.yds.  at  12^  cts.  2,562 
Grubbing,  &c.  1,500— $6,202 


(    133    ) 

Mile  8th,  Passes  over  gravel,  with  some  mixture 
of  clay  and  sand  strata.  There  is  a  ravine  made  by 
a  brook,  up  which  a  line  passes  for  7  or  8  chains. 
The  water  in  the  brook,  where  it  turns  north,  and 
leaves  the  line  of  the  canal,  is  5  feet  below  the  bottom 
ofthe canal, and  may  be  admitted  intoitwithoutinjury. 
Expense  for  embankment  of  1,000  cubic  yards,  at  20 
cents,  %220 

For  excavation  of  27,500  c.y.  at  12ic.  3,43C 

grubbing,  kc.  1,500—^5,1 57 

Mile  9fh,  Is  good  for  a  canal,  although  it  passes  over 
swampy  ground  for  a  considerable  part  of  the  whole 
distance.  In  the  swamp  there  is  only  one  foot  of  mud, 
and  the  substratum  is  clay,  or  clay  and  gravel  mixed. 
There  is  a  point  of  a  ridge  near  the  commencement 
of  this  mile,  which  is  4  feet  above  the  level ;  and 
there  is  one  small  stream,  which  forms  no  regular 
bed,  but  collects  the  waters  of  low  grounds  lying 
south  of  the  line.  It  dries  up  in  summer,  and  may 
be  admitted  into  the  canal  without  injury.  Expense 
for  excavation  of  24,100  cubic  yards, 
at  12i  cents,  $3,012 

For  grubbing,  &;c.  1,500 — $4,512 

Mile  1 0/^,  In  the  first  part,  passes  over  the  swampy 
grounds  before  mentioned  ;  and  there  are  one  or  two 
islets  or  spots  of  hard  land  in  the  swamp,  over  which 
the  line  passes,  which  may  be  easily  avoided,  if  ne- 
cessary. This  hard  land  is  stones  mixed  with  clay. 
Drum  creek,  which  is  3f  feet  below  the  level,  may  be 
admitted  into  the  canal  Avithout  injury,  as  it  is  a  short 
and  sluggish  stream,  and  of  course  will  not  introduce 
much  earth.  There  are  some  scattering  undulations 
of  sand,  but  the  land  is  generally  clay  and  gravel. 
Expense  for  dam  across  Drum  creek,  $  300 
For  excavation  of  2 1  ,(300  c.yds.  at  1 2  ^  c.  2,700 

grubbing,  «&c.  1,500 

$4,500 

.MeYe  11 M,  Passes  over  some  points  of  ridges  from 
two  to  four  feet  above  the  level,  which  may  be  avoid- 
ed by  a  winding  course.  They  are  however  narrow. 


(    136  ) 

and  composed  of  gravel  and  loam.  After  passing 
them,  the  line  runs  over  excellent  ground  declining 
gradually  and  uniformly  to  the  north  west.  The  soil 
is  loamy  and  well  adapted  for  a  canal.  The  extra 
excavation  will  be  J  l,l20  cubic  yards.  Expense  for 
excavation  of  37,520  cubic  yards,  at  12|-  cents,  $4,690 
Grubbing,  &c.  $1,500 

g!6,190 
Mile  1 2th^  At  the  beginning,  passes  over  a  point  of 
land  four  feet  above  the  level,  which  may  be  avoided 
by  bending  a  little  to  the  north ;  thence  it  proceeds 
over  loamy  land,  good  for  a  canal,  and  declines  to 
the  north  west.  The  line  here  passes  over  two 
brooks,  which  will  not  require  culverts,  if  it  is  de- 
sirable to  take  them  into  the  canal.  The  westerly 
brook  will  require  some  embankment.  There  is  a 
little  ridge  west  of  the  brook,  that  might  be  shunned, 
but  the  deep  cutting  would  produce  sufficient  earth 
to  make  the  embankment.  The  general  declivity  of 
this  mile  is  from  one  to  three  degrees.  Expense  for 
excavation  of  27,000  c.  yards,  at  12^  cents,  $3,375 
For  culvert,  100 

Grubbing,  &;c.  1,500 

_$4,975 
Mile  1  ^th^  Continues  on  loamy  gravelly  soil  like  the 
last,  with  the  desired  level  and  the  favourable  de- 
clivity, ki  the  distance  of  25  or  30  chains  on  the 
line,  the  ground  rises  gradually  to  one  and  a  half  feet 
above  the  level,  and  continues  so  for  ten  chains,  when 
it  gradually  declines  to  the  required  level  and  then 
below  it.  There  are  two  dead  swampy  streams, 
where  embankments  will  be  necessary,  and  where 
culverts  will  probably  be  wanted.  A  few  strata  of 
sand  on  this  mile ;  and  for  the  last  part  the  ground  is 
swampy  and  very  flat.  The  embankments  will  be 
1,800  cubic  yards.  The  water  stands  on  the  surface 
of  the  ground,  which  retains  it. 
Expense  for  embankment  of  1 ,800  c.  > 

yards  at  20  cents,  5   ^^^^ 


(    137    ) 

For  2  culverts,  200 

For  excavation  of  21 ,600  c.  yards,  at  ) 

121- cents,  ^  2,700 

For  grubbing,  &c.  1,500 


g!4,760 

Mile  lith,  Begins  in  swampy  grounds,  the  timber 
hemlock,  and  the  surface  covered  with  moss.  At  15 
chains  distance,  there  is  a  small  brook  requiring  a 
culvert  3^  feet  below  the  level,  and  also  an  embank- 
ment 1 50  feet  long,  of  the  average  height  of  six  feet. 
After  passing  the  brook,  the  ground  is  li^  feet  too  low 
for  10  or  12  chains  to  another  brook,  laying  only  3i 
feet  below  the  level.  Soon  after  leaving  the  last  brook, 
the  land  rises  to  three  feet  above  the  level,  and  lays 
in  ridges  crossing  the  line  at  right  angles.  This  ele- 
vation continues  for  fourteen  or  fifteen  chains,  when 
the  line  fails  to  the  level,  and  soon  after  too  low  by 
1 3  feet  in  a  ravine,  where  the  top  length  of  the  re- 
quired embankment  will  be  7  chs.  and  80  Iks.  After 
passing  this  ravine,  the  line  may  be  continued 
straight,  or  by  making  a  bend,  a  part  of  the  embank- 
ment may  be  saved.  The  straight  course  is  to  be 
preferred. 
Expense  for  embankment  of  5,170   cubic  yards,   at 

20  cents,  ^1,034 

For  excavation  of  24,100  c.  yds.  at  12i  cts.  3,012 
For  1  culvert,  100 

Grubbing,  &€.  1,450 

$5,596 

Mile  15M,  Requires,  in  order  to  cross  the  Oneida 
creek,  an  embankment  of  50,600  cubic  yards,  and  an 
aqueduct  of  100  feet  in  length.  After  crossing  the 
creek,  the  course  is  straight  and  good,  the  ground 
being  in  some  places  a  little  too  high.  Near  the  end 
of  this  mile  is  a  place  where  water  runs  most  of  the 
year,  where  a  culvert  will  be  required  and  an  embank- 
ment of  3  chains  long,  averaging  3  1-2  feet  high.  In 
this  swampy  ground,  the  soil  is  sandy.  Expense  for 
embankment  of  50,600  c.  yards,  at  20  cents,  $10,12» 

18 


(    138    ) 

For  aqueduct  of  wood  over  Oneida  creek,  5,000 
another  embankment  of  1,200  c.  yds.  2,400 
excavation  of  17,400  c.  yds.  at  12  1-2  c.  2,175 
1  culvert,  100 

grubbing,  &c.  1,075 

$18,710 

Mile  16/^,  Passes  over  a  very  flat  country,  and  the 
soil  is  sandy  loam  with  some  gravel  on  the  riges,  inter- 
spersed by  narrow  glades  of  ash  timbered  land,  which 
has  from  1  to  2  feet  of  black  mud,  and  then  hard  clay. 
The  general  face  of  the  country  declines  a  little  to 
the  north-west :  1,500  cubic  yards  of  excavation  will 
be  required.  Expense  for  excavation  of  21,600  cubic 
yards,  at  15  cents,  ^3,240 

For  grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

^4,740 

Mile  llth^  Passes  over  ground  like  the  last  for  thirty 
chains,  when  the  bottom  land  along  the  Cowaslon 
creek  commences.  An  embankment  of  1 4,000  cubic 
yards,  to  keep  the  level,  will  be  required  here.  This 
embankment  may  be  avoided  by  passing  through  a 
cedar  swamp.  The  first  course  is,  perhaps,  the  best. 
Expense  for  embankment  of  14,000  cubic  yards,  at 
twenty  cents,  ^2,800 

For  aqueduct  of  wood  over  the  Cow-  > 

aslon,  \    2,500 

excavation  of  17,500  cubic  yards  ) 
at  12 -12  cents,  ]    2,187 

grubbing,  &c.  1,300 

^8,787 

In  this  mile,  a  feeder  of  2  miles  and  70  chains  in 
length,  may  be  introduced  from  the  Oneida  creek. 

This  feeder  may  be  made  navigable,  as  a  lateral 
canal,  to  Oneida  Castleton,  a  village  at  Oneida  castle 
owned  by  the  state.  In  all  probability  no  water  from 
Oneida  creek  will  be  wanted  for  the  canal,  but  consi- 
dering that  the  state  land  at  the  village  and  in  its 
vicinity  wijl  be  trebled  in  value  by  this  lateral  canal, 


(    139    ) 

it  will  be  an  object  to  make  it  on  that  account  only. 
The  whole  of  the  Cowaslon  creek  may  be  thrown 
into  the  same  feeder.  Making  the  feeder  24  feet 
wide  on  the  top  and  twelve  feet  at  the  bottom,  with 
a  depth  of  four  feet,  would  cost,  for  excavation  of 
42,224  cubic  yards,  $7,603 

For  grubbing,  &c.  3,000 

dam  across  Oneida  creek,  1,000 

guard  lock,  5,000 

g  16,603 
As  this  is  not  necessary  as  a  feeder,  the  expense  of  it 
is  not  properly  chargeable  to  the  canal. 

Mile  I8tk,  Is  all  in  low  swampy  ground,  with  one 
or  two  feet  of  black  mud  upon  a  hard  clayey  and 
gravelly  soil.  The  whole  has  a  little  descent  north- 
west,and  there  are  two  small  streams,which  arise  from 
springs,  and  run  without  forming  beds  much  below 
the  surface.  They  may  be  admitted  into  the  canal 
without  injury.  Expense  for  excavation  of  2 1,500  cubic 
yards,  at  20  cents,  ;g4,300 

For  one  culvert,  100 

grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

^5,900 

Mile  19th,  Passes  below  a  Btep  or  ridge.  The 
land  is  clay  and  gravel,  descending  gently  to  the 
north,  and  is  as  good  as  nature  could  form  it  for  a 
canal.  Expense  for  excavation  of  26,000  cubic  yards, 
at  twelve  and  an  half  cents,  $3,250 

1,500 
For  grubbing,  &c.  ^4,750 

Mile  2Qth,  Passes  upon  ground  similar  to  the  last 
for  nearly  half  the  distance.  At  the  Canastota  creek 
the  water  is  six  and  a  quarter  feet  below  the  top  wa- 
ter line  of  the  canal.  The  best  way  to  dispose  of  this 
small  creek,  is  to  erect  a  dam  of  six  and  a  quarter 
feet  high,  and  pass  the  canal  through  the  pond.  This 
will  only  overflow  two  or  three  acres,  and  two  mill 
dams,  about  half  a  mile  distant,  will  receive  almost  all 


(    MO    ) 

the  alluvion.  After  crossing  the  creek,  the  land  is 
gravelly,  and  for  ten  chains  is,  on  an  average,  two  feet 
too  high.  The  rest  is  excellent  for  a  canal,  descend- 
ing gradually  from  two  to  three  degrees  north.  If 
the  Canastota  creek  is  carried  under  the  canal  by 
deepening  its  bed,  3,050  cubic  yards  of  embankment 
will  be  required  ;  if  a  dam  is  adopted,  the  expense 
will  not  be  considerable.  Expense  for  excavation 
of  21,540  cubic  yards,  at  12  |^  cents,  ^2,692 
For  a  dam  across  Canastota  creek,  900 

grubbing,  &c.  700 

^4,292 

Mile  2l5^,  Is  all  excellent  for  a  canal,  the  ground 
being  gravel,  clay,  or  loam,  with  a  descent  of  2  or 
3  degrees  north,  and  requiring  no  excavation  or  em- 
bankment. Expense  for  excavation  of  20,000  cubic 
yards,  at  12  ^  cents,  g2,500 

For  grubbing,  &c.  500 

$  3,000 

Mile  22c?,  Passes  through  a  cedar  swamp,  which 
has  hard  bottom  under  2  feet  of  black  mud.  The 
surface  is  rather  below  the  level,  but  there  is  a  gene- 
ral declivity  of  from  1  to  2  degrees  north ;  it  is, 
therefore,  easy  to  gain,  if  desired,  a  higher  surface. 
There  are  4  small  runs  of  water  on  this  mile,  none 
of  them  requiring  culverts  but  one.  At  the  latter 
end  of  this  mile,  the  line  ascends  the  summit  of  a 
ridge  1 6  i  feet  above  the  level.  This  is  run  over  to 
keep  a  good  course,  and  will  require  an  extra  exca- 
vation of  5,840  cubic  yards.  An  embankment  ad- 
joining eastward  will  require  a  small  part  of  this 
earth,'  and  if  a  bend  be  made  northerly  to  avoid 
this  point  of  a  hill,  it  will  increase  the  embankment. 
Perhaps  it  will  be  best  to  cut  off  only  a  part  of  the 
point  of  the  hill,  and  thereby  save  one  half  of  the  ex- 
tra excavation.  Expense  for  excavation  of  35,800 
cubic  yards,  at  15  ceqts,  5,370 

For  2  culverts,  200 

Grubbing,  kc.  1,500 

^7,070 


(    141    ) 

J^/e  23c?,  Passes  over  excellent  land  for  a  canal, 
which  consists  of  clay  and  loam,  and  descends  gradu- 
ally to  the   north  from  2  to  3  degrees.    Expense  for 
excavation  of  26,000  c.  yds.  at  12^  cts  $3,250 
For  1  culvert,  100 

Grubbing,  &c.  1,200 

%  4,550 

Mile  2ith,  For  the  first  part,  passes  over  clay  and 
loam  exactly  on  the  required  level.  The  best  course 
is  to  pass  over  the  mill  pond  in  the  Canasaraga  creek ; 
and  this  will  require  an  embankment  of  7,500  cubic 
yards,  and  an  aqueduct  of  wood  or  cast  iron,  40  feet 
Jong.  A  feeder,  if  necessary,  can  easily  be  obtained 
from  this  creek.  Expense  for  embankment  of  7,500 
cubic  yards,  at  20  cents,  $1,500 

For  aqueduct  of  wood,  2,500 

Excavation  of  20,000  c.  yds.  at  12i-cts.  2,500 

$6,500 

Mile  25thf  Is  all  excellent,   with  a  descent  north, 
and  soil  of  loam  or  gravel.     Expense  for  excavation 
of  26,000  cubic  yards,  at  12icents,       $3,250 
For  grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

$4,750 

Mile  26th^  Passes  over  clay  and  gravel.  In  some 
places  there  are  rough  loose  stones,  which  may  be 
useful,  and  in  one  place  the  ground  is  from  11-2  feet 
to  3  inches  above  the  level.  Expense  for  excavation 
of  30,500  cubic  yards,  at  15  cents,  $4,575 
For  grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

$6,075 

Mile  27th,  Is  excellent  for  a  canal,  from  the  begin- 
ning to  the  Chitteningo  creek,  over  which  it  passes. — 
Some  of  the  ground  consists  of  clay,  and  some  of  the 
rich  black  mould,  or  bottom  of  the  creek,  which  is 
very  nearly  on  the  level  wished.  The  creek  may 
be  passed  by  making  a  dam  4  feet  3  inches  high,  and 
this  would  form  a  pond  of  the  proper  level,  and  very 
little  land  would  be  overflown.  All  the  water  of  this 
creek  may  be  taken  out,  for  the  canal,  at  a  designated 
point,  without  injuring  any  hydraulic  establishments. 


(    142    ) 

As  the  line  advances  to  a  small  spring  brook,  an 
embankment  will  be  required.  For  the  residue  of 
the  mile,  the  line  passes  over  land  excellent  for  a 
canal,  and  descending  gradually  to  the  north  east. 
Expense  for  excavation  of  20,000  cubic  yards,  at 
12  1-2  cents,  $  2,500 

For  1  culvert,  100 

embankment  of  4,250  c. yds.  at  20  cts.  850 
dam  across  the  creek,  2,000 

grubbing,  &;c.  500 

$5,950 

Mile  28^^,  Shortly  after  its  commencement,  passes 
a  run  of  water,  which  may  be  admitted  into  the  canal 
without  injury.  The  ground  to  the  vicinity  of  Beaver- 
dam  creek  is  loam  and  gravel,  with  a  gradual  declina- 
tion, and  is  as  good  as  can  be  desired.  This  creek 
is  1,171  feet  below  the  level  of  the  canal,  which 
renders  a  considerable  embankment  necessary,  and 
the  estimate  is  formed  upon  that  presumption,  although 
a  less  expensive  route  may  probably  be  adopted. 
This  creek  may  be  used  as  a  feeder.  It  affords  one- 
fourth  as  much  water  as  the  Chitteningo,  and  rises 
from  springs.  Expense  for  embankment  of  20,000 
cubic  yards,  at  20  cents,  $4,000 

Forexcavationof  18,500c.yds.at  12  l-2c. 2,312 
aqueduct  over  creek,  2,000 

;g8,312 

Mile  29/A,  Is  as  conveniently  formed  for  a  canal  as 
may  be,  with  a  descent  north  of  from  two  to  five  de- 
grees, and  a  soil  of  black  and  chocolate  loam.  Ex- 
pense for  excavation  of  26,010  cubic  yards,  at  12  1-2 
cents,  523,250 

For  grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

^  ^  $4,750 

Mile  30th,  Is  excellent,  and  passes  only  one  stream 
of  water,  which  is  two  and  an  half  feet  below  the  top 
water-line  of  the  canal,  and  which  must  be  admitted 
into  it.  This  can  be  done  without  injury,  as  there  is 
a  mill-dam  building  a  few  rods  above  this  place, 
where  all  the  alluvion  will  be  deposited,  and  the 


(    143    ) 

water  discharged  into  the  canal  tolerably  pure. 
Expense  for  excavation  of  26,000  c.  yds.  at  12  1-2 
cents,  $3,250 

dam,  500 

grubbing,  &:c.  400 

^4,150 

Mile  31  st,  Passes  over  excellent  ground,  except  a 
small  elevation  three  and  an  half  feet  above  the  level. 
Expense  for  excavation  of  27,000  cubic  yards,at  121-2 
cents,  $3,375 

For  grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

-P,875 

Mile  32c/,  Is  also  excellent,  except  an  elevation,  the 
highest  point  of  which  is  fourteen  and  three-fourths 
feet  above  the  top  water-line,  and  which  will  require 
an  extra  excavation  of  23,500  cubic  yards.  Expense 
for  extra  excavation  of  23,500  cubic  yards,  which 
may  be  partially  saved  by  lengthening  the  canal,  at 
twenty  cents,  $4,700 

For  excavation  of  26,000  c.y  ds.  at  1 2  1  -2  c.  3,250 
grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

;g!9,450 

Mile  33d,  Is  excellent  until  it  reaches  the  valley  of 
the  outlet  of  the  little  lakes,  where  an  embankment 
is  required.  Here  a  reservoir  might  be  made  at 
little  expense.  Expense  for  embankment  of  15,000 
cubic  yards,  at  20  cents,  $3,000 

For  aqueduct,  200 

excavation  of  18,500  c.  yds.  at  12  i  c.    2,312 

—^5,512 

Mile  34cth,  Is  all  excellent  for  a  canal,  running  along 
at  the  foot  of  a  hill ;  the  ground  descending  three 
degrees  generally,  and  well  adapted  for  excavation. 
Expense  for  excavation  of  20,000  cubic  yards,  at  12^ 
cents,  $2,500 

For  grubbing,  &;c.  1,500 

^4,000 

Mile  35th,  Passes  over  a  low  place  requiring  a 
small  embankment.  In  another  place  the  ground 
is  full  of  springs,  which  may  be  all  admitted  into  the 


(    144    ) 

canal.  In  one  place  the  line  runs  on  a  steep  side- 
hill,  requiring  some  additional  work.  The  residue 
of  the  mile  is  excellent.  Expense  for  excavation  of 
20,000  cuhic  yards,  at  12 1-  cents,  $2,500 

For  extra  work  in  moving  earth  to 

low  places,  700 

^3,200 

Mile  36/A,  Commences  with  the  steep  bank  men- 
tioned in  the  last,  after  which  the  ground  assumes  a 
more  regular  and  easy  slope,  and  is  good  for  a  canal 
until  it  reaches  Lime-stone  creek,which  will  require 
an  embankment  four  and  an  half  feet  high  and  fifteen 
chains  long.  The  water  of  the  creek  is  4.89  feet  be- 
low the  top  water-line.  By  deepening  the  bed  of 
the  creek  and  doubling  its  width,  the  water  may  be 
made  to  pass  under  a  wooden  or  cast  iron  aqueduct. 
After  crossing  the  creek,  the  ground  is  excellent  to 
the  end  of  the  mile.  Expense  for  embankment  of 
8,300  cubic  yards,  at  20  cents,  p,660 

For  aqueduct,  5000 

extra  work  on  steep  bank,  1000 

excavation  of  20,000  c.  yds.  at  12^  c.   2,500 
grubbing,  &c.  300 

;g  10,460 

Mile  37ih,  Commences  by  cutting  off  the  point  of 
a  hill.  It  then  crosses  a  swamp  for  32  chains,  which 
is  two  feet  too  low.  The  swamp  appears  very  soft, 
is  covered  with  cedar  and  pine,  and  a  stake  may  be 
driven  down  ten  feet.  No  serious  difficulty  is  appre- 
hended in  carrying  the  canal  over  it,  but  the  em- 
bankment will  be  more  than  it  appears,  owing  to  the 
sinking  of  the  mud  of  the  swamp.  There  are  three 
spring  brooks  in  it,  which  may,  be  made  to  fill  a  ca- 
nal dug  two  feet  in  the  present  swamp,  and  that  would 
enable  dirt-boats  to  pass  from  hill  to  hill,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  taking  earth  to  make  this  embankment,  as 
easy  as  it  could  be  carted  on.  After  passing  this 
swamp,  there  is  no  obstacle  to  the  end  of  the  mile, 
the  ground  descending  north  from  three  to  four  de- 
grees.   Some  springs  come  out  of  the  hill  on  or  about 


(    145  ) 

the  level.     Expense  for  embankment  of  9,000  cubic 
yards,  at  20  cents,  gl,800 

excavation  of  26,000  c.yds.  at  121- c.  3,250 

gniibbing,  &c.  1,500 

^6,550 

Mile  3Sth,  Passes  over  excellent  ground,  at  the  foot 
of  a  hill,  until  it  reaches  the  low  ground  adjoining 
Butternut  creek,  which  will  require  an  embankment 
and  an  aqueduct.  Water  may  be  obtained  by  a  feed- 
er from  this  creek,  of  the  length  of  three-fourths  of 
a  mile. 

Expense  for  embankment  of  19,000  cubic  yards,  at  20 
cents,  ^3,800 

For  aqueduct,  5,000 

excavation  of  16,000  c.  yds.  at  12^  cts.  2,000 

grubbing,  &c.  1,100 

^11,900 

Mile  39th,  Is  over  excellent  loamy  soil,  with  a  north 
descent  of  from  one  to  three  degrees,  and  one  spring 
brook  which  may  be  admitted  into  the  canal  with- 
out injury.  Expense  for  excavation  of  20,000  cubic 
yards,  at  12^  cents,  ^2,500 

For  grubbing,  &c.  1,100 

^3,600 

Mile  4:0th,  Passes  over  loam,  is  as  good  as  could  be 
wished.  Expense  for  excavation  of  20,000  cubic 
yards,  at  ]2|-  cents,  $2,500 

For  grubbing,  (fee.  1,150 

^3,650 

Mile  4:1st,  Is  excellent  fot  a  canal,  the  soil  being 
loamy  and  gravelly,  with  a  descent  of  from  one  to  two 
degrees  northerly.  Several  copious  springs  of  wa- 
ter come  out  of  the  hill  on  the  left,  above  the  canal, 
which  may  be  admitted  into  it  without  injury.  The 
hill  on  the  left  is  200  feet  high,  and  steep.  Expenso 
for  excavation  of  26,000  c.yds.  at  12i  cts.  $3,250 
For  grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

$4,750 

Mile  42 J,  Begins  in  swampy  ground,  which  it  passes 
over  at  the  northerly  edge,  and  then  runs  along  the 

19 


(    146    )     . 

hard  land.  The  swamp  is  eight  inches  below  the 
level  on  an  average,  and  is  an  open  bog  with  no 
bottom  of  hard  stuff  within  ten  feet.  After  gaining 
the  hard  land,  the  ground  is  gravelly  and  good  to  the 
end  of  the  mile.  Expense  for  excavation  of  26,000 
cubic  yards,  at  20  cents,  ;^  5,200 

For  grubbing,  &c,  1 ,300 

-—  ^6,700 

Mile  436/,  Is  gravelly,  except  a  short  distance  of 
cedar  swamp,  with  moss  bottom,  but  in  fact  hard  and 
good  ground.  A  small  spring  brook  may  be  admitted 
into  the  canal  without  injury.  Expense  for  excava- 
tion of  26,000  cubic  yards,  at  15  cents,  ^3,900 
For  grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

— ^5,400 

Mile  44th,  Requires  two  locks,  there  being  a  de- 
scent of  nineteen  feet;  an  aqueduct  over  the  Onon- 
dago  creek,  two  culverts,  and  considerable  embank- 
ments, which  will  cost  twenty-five  cents  per  cubic 
yard,  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  earth.  Ex- 
pense for  excavation  of  12,000  c.  yds,  12^  cts.  $1,500 
For  embankment  of  31,600  c.  yds.  at  25  cts.  7,900 
2  culverts,  300 

aqueduct  200  feet  long  and  30  feet  high,   10,000 
grubbing,  &c.  750 

^20,450 

Mile  45?^,  Is  occupied  by  the  Salina  plains,and  is  all 
too  low,  the  ground  hard  and  gravelly  except  along 
Harbour  creek,  which  is  a  cedar  swamp.  Four  cul- 
verts will  be  necessary,  and  an  embankment  of 
1 30, 500  c.  yards,  at  25  cents  per  yard,  and  an  aqueduct 
over  the  creek.  Expense  for  4  culverts,  $  450 
For  embankment,  32,625 

aqueduct,  1,000 

^34,075 

Mtle  4:6th,  Although  excellent  for  a  canal,  with  a 
loamy  soil,  will  require  considerable  embankments, 
besides  culverts  and  excavation.  It  is  supposed  that 
the  route  here  may  be  more  advantageously  arranged. 
Expense  for  embankment  of  19,510  cubic  yards,  at 
20  cents,  $3,902 


(    147    ) 

For  4  culverts,  750 

excacation  of  22,000  c.  y.  at  12^  cts.  2,750 
grubbing,  &c.  600 

^8,000 

Mile  Mth,  Descends  gently  to  the  north,  and  con- 
tains a  rich  black  gravelly  loam,  is  excellent  for  a 
canal,  except  a  ravine,  which  will  require  an  embank- 
ment. Expense  for  embankment  of  1 450  cubic  yards, 
at  twenty  cents,  $290 

For  one  culvert,  100 

excavation  of  26,000  c.  y.  at  12^  cts.  3,250 
grubbing,  &;c.  1,500 

Mile  iSth,  Passes  over  smooth  good  land  for  a 
canal,  with  a  gradual  descent  of  fjom  one  to  two  de- 
grees north,  until  it  approaches  the  swamp  of  Mill 
brook.  Here  the  land  is  nearly  level,  and  there  is 
one  foot  of  mud,  but  gravel  and  clay  below.  There 
are  several  small  spring  brooks  in  the  swamp,  which 
may  be  received  into  the  canal.  Mill  brook  is  4,96 
feet  below  the  water  line  of  the  canal.  A  dam  one 
hundred  feet  long  must  be  raised  across  this  creek, 
four  feet  ten  inches  high  ;  very  little  embankment  is 
wanted.  Expense  for  excavation  of  26,000  cubic 
yards,  at  twelve  and  a  half  cents,  $  3,250 

For  dam  across  Mill  brook,  750 

grubbing,  (fee.  1,500 

^5,500 

Mile  49th,  Is  excellant.  One  small  culvert  and  a 
few  yards  of  extra  excavation  are  wanted.  Expense, 
For  one  culvert,  $  1 00 

excavation  of  26,000  c.yds.  at  12i  c.  3,250 
grubbing,  &c.  1,200 

^4,550 

Mile  50th,  Is  uncommonly  good  for  a  canal.  Ex- 
pense, For  excavation  of  20,000 

c.yds.at  12^  cts  2,500 

grubbing,  &c.  1 400 

^3,900 

Mile  5l5^  Soon  after  its  commencement,  turns 
north,  to  pass  over  the  nine  mile  creek,  and  crosses 


(     118    ) 

a  piece  of  low  clay  ground,  the  lowest  of  which  is 
2.84  feet  below  the  level,  but  rises  gradually  to  it 
each  way.  The  nature  of  the  soil,  and  the  very  little 
extra  earth  wanted,  to  make  the  banks,  warrant  a 
belief,  that  nothing  need  be  added  to  the  expense,  in 
order  to  make  a  canal  across  it.  Near  to  the  Nine 
mile  creek,  the  line  rises  so  as  to  be  2.89  feet  above 
the  banks,  and  the  water  of  the  creek  is  4  feet  deep 
on  an  average,  and  11.82  feet  below  the  top  water 
line.  This  is  a  mill  pond,  and  the  water  may  be 
settled  four  feet  by  carrying  the  dam  10  or  12  rods  up 
the  stream,  so  as  to  be  above  the  canal.  If  an  aque- 
duct of  wood  or  cast  iron  is  constructed,  there  will 
be  no  necessity  of  altering  the  dam.  The  8  feet  below 
the  bottom  of  the  canal  will  make  the  elevation  of 
the  aqueduct  sufficient,  as  the  water  never  rises  more 
than  4  or  5  feet  in  the  greatest  freshets.  This  aque- 
duct will  be  200  feet  long.  After  passing  the  creek, 
the  bank  is  3^  feet  above  the  level,  but  the  ground 
soon  descends  to  the  level.  The  earth  is  loamy  and 
easy  of  excavation.  Farther  on,  there  are  two  small 
ravines,  in  which  there  is  no  water,  but  embanking, 
and  perhaps,  culverts  or  cast  iron  pipes  of  6  inches 
diameter,  ought  here  to  be  placed,  in  order  to  drain 
off  the  waters  that  may  collect  above  the  canal.  A 
feeder  may  be  easily  made  to  bring  the  waters  of  the 
creek  into  the  canal,  which  will,  at  the  same  time, 
serve  as  a  branch  canal,  and  without  any  lock  will 
carry  navigation  up  to  a  very  large  quarry  of  excel- 
lent gypsum.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  28,500 c.y.at  12i  cts.$3,562 
aqueduct,  10,000 

3  culverts,  300 

grubbing,  &c.  500 

^14,362 

Mile  52d,  Presents  excellent  ground  for  a  canal, 
which  is  loam,  and  descends  easterly.  There  are 
4  small  and  short  ravines,  requiring  3  culverts,  of 
which  two  may  be  cast  iron  pipes  of  6  inches  diam- 
eter.   The  other  ought  to  of  be  three  feet  diameter. 


(    149    ) 

A  little  extra  excavation  will  be  requisite.     Expense, 
For  embankment  of  2,100  c.yds.  at  20  cts.  ^420 
3  culverts,  300 

excavation  of  28,500  c.  yds.  at  12^ 

cents,  3,562 

grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

^^5,782 

Mile  53d,  Passes  over  excellent  land,  a  mixture  of 
clay  and  loam,  lying  with  a  descent  of  from  1  to  2  de- 
grees north.  There  is  a  small  run  of  water,  where 
an  embankment  of  4  feet  high  will  be  wanted,  and  pro- 
bably a  culvert,  or  cast  iron  pipe.  Expense 
For  embankment  of  2500  c.  yds.  at  20  cts.  ;g!509 
1  culvert,  100 

excavation  of  26,000  c.yds.  at  121-  cts.3,250 
grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

gi5,350 

Mile  54:th,  Requires  some  culverts  and  extra  exca- 
vation. A  part  of  the  line  passes  along  the  edge  of 
a  brook,  where  there  is  a  steep  bank  a  little  too  high, 
and  at  the  foot  of  it  a  flat  4  or  5  feet  too  low,  and 
this  edge  of  the  bank  must  give  the  earth  to  make 
the  bank  below  sufficiently  elevated.  Expense, 
For  3  culverts,  ;S300 

excavation  of  28,500  c.  yds.  atl2i  cts.  3,562 
grubbing,  &c.  ^950 

—^4,812 

Mile  55th,  Commences  at  the  beginning  of  a  deep 
cutting,  through  a  marl  meadow  swamp.  The  soil 
is  all  soft  and  must  be  removed  by  manual  labour, 
and  the  work  must  be  so  managed  as  to  drain  the 
lands  as  it  proceeds.  As  the  ground  is  all  swamp 
and  very  bad,  the  excavation  is  set  down  at  50  cents 
per  cubic  yard.     Expense, 

For  extra  excavation  of  77.400  cubic  yards,  at  50 
cents,  $38,700 

mean  excavation  of  26,000  c.  y.  at  12^,  3,250 
grubbing,  &c.  being  very  bad,  3,000 

$44,050 

Mile  56th,  Is  a  continuation  of  the  same  swamp. 
Expense, 


(    150    ) 

For   extra  excavation  of   98,000  cubic  yds.  at  50 
cents,  ^49,000 

mean  excavation  of  26,000  c.  yards, 

at  12  i  cents,  3,250 

grubbing,  &;c.  3,000 

■^55,250 


Mile  57th,  Contains    the  west   end    of  the   same 
swamp.     Expense, 
For  extra  excavation  of  44,000  c.  yards, 

at  25  cents,  ^8,800 

mean  do.  of  26,000  do.  at  12^  do.  3,250 

grubbing,  &c.  2,000 

^14,050 

Mile  58/A,  Passes  over  a  very  flat  piece  of  ground, 
requiring  a  little  extra  excavation  at  the  east  end. — 
Hand's  brook  and  Camp's  brook  will  both  fall  into  the 
canal  on  this  mile ;  and  it  is  not  easy  to  find  a  me- 
thod to  dispose  of  the  water  of  the  former,  while  the 
canal  is  digging.  For  this  purpose  it  will  perhaps 
be  necessary  to  create  for  it  a  new  channel.  Expense 
For  excavation  of  28,500  c.  y.  at  15  cts-  ^4,27 5 
extra  labour  to  divert  Hand'sbrook,  ]  ,500 
grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

7-^7,272 

Mile  59th,  Is  all  excellent,  requiring  nothing  extra 
but  a  culvert.  Expense, 

For  excavation  of  26,000  c,  y.  at  12^  c.  ^3,250 
1  culvert,  100 

grubbing,  &c.  1,400 

—$4,750 
Mile  60th,  Is  excellent,  except  a  little  low  ground, 
which  will  require  small  embankments  near  Carpen- 
ter's brook,  and  at  another  place.  A  dam  must  be 
erected  across  the  brook  150  feet  long.  As  the  wa- 
ter in  the  brook  is  6.08  feet  below  the  level,  a  dam 
of  6  feet  high  will  make  the  water  in  the  pond  on  a 
level  with  the  canal.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  20,000c.y.  at  J2i-cts.  $2,500 
dam  above-mentioned,  1,800 

embankment  of  1,001  c.  y.  at  20  cts.  220 


(    151     ) 

grubbing,  &c.  1 ,500 

' ^6,020 

Mile  6lst,  Passes  over  a  summit  between  Carpen- 
ter's brook  and  the  Skaneatelas  outlet.     The  swamp 
is  from  1  to  3  feet,  composed   of  a  soft  mossy  spongy 
substance  and  then  a  gravelly  clay.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  29,000  c.y.  at  18  cts.  $5200 
grubbing,  &;c,  1500 

^6720 

Mile  62</,  Passes  over  very  suitable  ground  for  a 
canal,  with  the  exception  of  the  point  of  a  hill,  until 
it  arrives  at  the  low  land,  which  extends  to  Skaneate- 
las outlet.  A  little  embankment  and  a  small  culvert 
are  required.  Expense, 
For  extra  excavation  of  2,300  cubic  yards  at 
18  cents,  ^414 

embankment  of  960  do.  at  20  do.  192 
excavation  of  22,000  do.  at  12  i^  do.  2,750 
1  culvert  100 

grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

— S4,956 

Mile  63d,  Requires  a  very  small  embankment  where 
it  begins.  Thence  to  the  Skaneatelas  outlet  is  all 
flat  bottom  land.  The  water  of  the  stream  is  rapid, 
and  the  surface  is  5.66  feet  below  the  level.  A  dam 
raised  to  that  height  w^ould  do  no  injury,  as  it  v/ould 
not  overflow  1^  acres  of  land,  and  there  is  no  mill 
below  this  point  to  the  junction  of  the  outlet  with 
Seneca  river.  A  little  embankment  on  the  west  side 
of  the  outlet  will  be  necessary ,  or  perhaps  a  dam 
200  feet  long,  for  the  water  to  waste  over,  would  be 
advisable.  The  remaining  embankment  is  so  sinall 
as  to  require  Mttle  or  no  estimate  of  expense.  At 
the  latter  end  of  the  mile,  the  ground  is  very  favour- 
able (with  the  exception  of  a  small  piece  requiring 
extra  excavation)  and  declines  from  1  to  2  degrees 
northerly.  There  is  a  brook  only  1.50  feet  below  the 
level  of  the  top  water  line,  which  will  require  a  cul- 
vert, or  perhaps  it  may  be  admitted  into  the  canal 
without  injury,  if  a  small  dam  is  made  across  it  2  or 


(    152    ) 

3  chains  above,  to  deposit  alluvion  in  case  of  fresh- 
ets.— Taking  the  waters  of  this  brook  will  not  in- 
jure farms  below,  as  they  are  lost  in  swamp.  Ex- 
pense, 

For  dam   raised  on  piles,  and   embankment 

with  it,  $2,000 

excavation  of  22,000  c.  y.  at  12  i  cents  2,750 

1  culvert,  perhaps,  100 

grubbing,  &c.  500 

^5,350 

Mile  6ith,  Is  all  excellent  for  a  canal ;  the  ground 
descends  northerly.  The  excavation  is  easy,,  the 
soil  being  loamy.  A  point  of  a  hill,  of  which  the 
summit  is  nine  and  a  half  feet  above  the  level,  must 
be  cut  through ;  and  there  is  a  low  place  at  the  west 
end,  requiring  some  earth  to  straighten  the  course. 
Expense  for  embankment  and  extra 
excavation,  ;^800 

excavation  of  24,000  c.  yds.  at  12  ids.  3000 
grubbing,  kc.  1,200 

^5,000 

Mile  65th,  Is  equally  excellent,  except  a  small  point 
of  land  5.75  feet  above  the  level,  where  the  line  is 
rather  circuitous,  in  order  to  avoid  a  cedar  swamp. 
Expense  for  excavation  of  27,000  cubic  yards,  at 
12  1-2  cents,  ^3,375 

grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

■ — $4,875 

Mile  66th,  Passes  over  the  points  of  several  eleva- 
tions, which  rise  from  two  to  six  feet  above  the  level, 
and  may  be  avoided  by  a  very  crooked  course.  They 
are  all  easy  to  excavate,  and  will  require  no  deep 
cutting  exceeding  six  feet,  and  generally,  on  each 
side  of  them,  the  ground  will  require  a  little  raising. 
Expense  for  extra  excavation  of  3,700  cubic  yards, 
at  twenty  cents,  $740 

mean  excavation  of  26,000c.y.  at  12^^  c.  3,250 
grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

-$5,490 

Mile  61th,    Lies  with   a    northerly  descent    of 


(    153    ) 

from  one  to  two  degrees,  and  is^  rich  black  loam.  A 
culvert  and  a  little  embankment  will  be  necessary.  The 
line  runs  over  some*ground  a  little  above  the  level.  At 
one  place  runs  a  small  stream,  which  may  be  let  in  with- 
out injury.  Expense  for  excavation  of  27,000  cubic 
yards,^  at  12^,  ^3,375 

2  culverts^  200 

embankment  of  2,000  c.  yds.  at  20  cts.      400 
grubbing,  &c.  900 

^4,875 

Mile  68th,  Begins  a  little  east  of  Bread  creek.  On  the 
flat  or  bottom  land,  made  by  the  creek,  there  are  some 
places  three  feet  below  the  level  '(where  water 
runs  in  very  great  freshets)  which  may  be  rendered 
good  with  little  expense ;  and  perhaps  a  small  culvert 
may  be  necessary  here.  Bread  creek  is  only  4.85  feet 
below  the  top  water  line.  This  is  a  rapid  stream,  and 
the  best  plan  to  cross  it  is  to  erect  a  dam.  The  alluvion 
of  the  creek  might  be  kept  out  of  the  canal  by  erecting 
stop  gates,  on  each  side  of  the  pond,  which  would 
oblige  the  water  to  pass  over  the  dam ;  or,  in  addition 
to  this,  waste  gates  may  be  so  fixed  in  the  dam  as  to 
draw  from  the  bottom  of  the  canal,  and  the  water  thus 
discharged  would  carry  off  all  the  alluvial  matter 
through  these  waste  gates.  After  crossing  this  creek, 
the  ground  is  excellent,  with  a  gentle  declination  to 
the  north,  till  near  the  end  of  the  mile,  where  a  culvert 
may  be  wanted.  Expense, 
For  a  dam  on  piles  across  Bread  creek,  ^1,500 
excavation  of  26,  000  c.  y.  at  12^  cts.  3,250 
1  culuert,  100 

grubbing,  &c.  300 

^5,150 

Mile  69th,  Descends  from  one  to  two  degrees  north- 
erly, and  is  all  excellent  for  a  canal.     One  small  cul- 
vert will  be  necessary.     Expense, 
For  excavation  of  26,000  c.  y.  at  12i  c.    ^3,250 
1  culvert,  100 

grubbing,  (fee.  250 


20 


-;9(3,600 


(    154    ) 

Mile  HOth,  Commences  near  Spring  brook,  which  is 
4.97  feet  below  the  level.  A  dam  of  that  height  would 
give  the  water  in  the  pond  the  requisite  level.  Some 
raising  of  the  banks  is  necessary  near  the  creek,  as  the 
flat  land  along  it  lies  about  two  feet  below  the  top  water 
line.  Between  Cold  spring  and  Tyler's  brook,  the 
ground  is  above  the  level,  in  one  place,  near  four  feet, 
declining  each  way.  The  deep  cutting  here  is  no  seri- 
ous objection  to  a  straight  course.  Expense, 
For  extra  excavation  of  11,400  cubic  yards,  at  fifteen 
cents,  ^1,710 

mean  do.  of  26,000  do.  at  121-  do.  3,250 

dam  across  Oold  spring  brook,  1,000 

;^5,960 

Mile  7 1st,  Is  good  for  a  canal.  Some  little  extra 
excavation  will  be  necessary  at  the  east  end.  Near 
the  west  end,  the  ground  is  too  steep,  where,  in  some 
places,  the  descent  is  six  or  eight  degrees.  The  Tyler's 
brook  is  a  small  stream,  only  1.50  feet  below  the  bottom 
of  the  canal,  into  which  it  may  be  brought.  If,  however, 
this  produces  too  much  alluvial  matter,  it  may  be  con- 
veyed over  the  canal.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  27,000  c.  y.  at  12i  cts.  ^3,375 
extra  labour  to  dispose  of  the  water  ) 

of  Tyler's  brook,  >        500 

grubbing,  &c.  1,000 

-^4,875 

Mile  72c?,  Passes  on  good  ground  for  some  distance, 
until  an  embankment  becomes  necessary  to  pass  the 
flats  of  the  Owasco  outlet.  This  creek  is  twelve  and 
an  half  feet  below  the  top  water  line  of  the  canal,  and 
will  require  an  aqueduct  150  feet  long.  After  gain- 
ing the  high  land,  which  is  very  steep,  with  a  sharp 
ridge  1 1  feet  above  the  level,  the  line  falls  very  soon 
below  the  level,  and  then  rises  again  above  it.  It  soon 
descends  again ;  after  which  the  route  is  good,  until  it 
becomes  necessary  to  make  a  lock  and  descend  eight 
feet.  Thence  to  the  end,  good ;  but  requiring  a  little 
embankment.     Expense, 


(    155    ) 

For  embankment  of  21,000  cubic  yards,  at  twenty-five 
cents,  ^5,275 

aqueduct,  5,000 

excavation  of  20,000  c.  y.  at  12^  c.     2,500 
grubbing,  &;c.  225 

— '■ ^13,000 

Mile  73d,  Is  crooked  and  uneven.  Four  culverts  will 
be   required  for  the  streams  rising  in  the  hills  south  of 
the  canal,  and  some  points  of  hills  must  be  cut  off  to 
straighten  the  course.     Expense, 
For  excavation  of  32,000  c.  y.  at  12|-  c.      ^4,000 
4  culverts,  400 

grubbing,  &:c.  1,400 

^5,800 

JUile  74M,  Descends  to  the  north-west,  and  is  all  good. 
There  is  one  point  three  feet  too  high,  which  may  be 
easily  avoided  by  a  bend.  Two  culverts  are  required. 
Expense, 

For  excavation  of  26,000  c.  y.  at  121^  c.    g!  3,250 
2  culverts,  400 

grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

$5,150 

Mile  7 5th,  Is  very  good  for  a  canal  to  Crane  brook, 
where  there  is  ground  from  2  to  3  feet  too  low.  In  this 
brook,  the  water  is  8.13  feet  below  the  top  water  line. 
This  stream  dries  up  in  summer,  and  therefore  would 
not  yield  water  when  wanted.  It  rises  high  in  freshets, 
and  ought  to  pass  under  the  canal.  The  bed  of  the 
creek  may  be  doubled  in  width,  and  by  that  means, 
with  deepening  the  channel  a  little,  a  passage  may  be 
found  for  the  floods.  Some  extra  excavation  will  be 
necessary,  in  order  to  avoid  a  swamp.  Expense, 
For  embankment  of  16,000  cubic  yards,  at  twenty 
cents,  ^3,200 

aqueduct  over  Crane  brook,  3,500 

excavation  of  18,000  c.  y.  at  12^  cts.  2,250 
grubbing,  &c.  1,500 

^10,450 

Mile  76th,  Commences  near  the  bed  of  Great  brook, 
which  is  lost  in  a  swamp.    The  bed  is  formed  near  its 


(     150     ) 

junction  with  Crane  brook.  On  this  mile  a  lock  of  nine 
feet  descent  must  be  made, for  which  the  ground  is  very 
favourable,  and  will  require  but  little  excavation*  From 
the  Jock  to  the  end  of  the  mile,  the  ground  is  low  and 
apparently  swampy.  It  consists  of  clay,  and  an  em- 
bankment may  be  easily  made,  as  there  is  no  part  more 
than  three  and  an  half  feet  below  the  top  of  the  canal. 
Some  points  of  hills  must  be  cut  off  to  straighten  the 
route,  and  three  culverts  are  required.  Expense, 
For  embankment  of  18,500  cubic  yards,  at  twenty 
cents,  P,700 

aqueduct  over  Great  brook  1,500 

excavation  of  16,000  c.  y.  at  12|  cts.  2,000 
3  culverts  to  drain  the  land  above  >       or,r) 

embankments,  ^ 

grubbing,  &c.  1,400 

g!  8,900 

Mile  11th,  Begins  in  clayey  ground,  three  feet  too  low. 
After  passing  this,  two  points  of  land  (the  easterly  one 
coming  in  from  the  south,  and  the  other  from  the  north) 
four  or  five  feet  above  the  level,  of  a  loamy  soil,  must 
be  cut  off  The  valley  of  a  brook,  which  must  be 
crossed,  will  render  an  embankment  and  a  culvert  es- 
sential.    Expense, 

For  embankment   of   9,300  cubic   yards,   at   twenty 
cents,  $1,860 

1  culvert,  150 

excavation  of  18,000  c.  y.  at  12i  cts.        2,250 

^^—^4,260 

Here  the  middle  section  of  the  canal  terminates  in 
the  Seneca  river,  at  the  point  and  on  the  level,  reached 
by  Mr.  Geddes. 

The  exuberant  supply  of  water  for  the  canal,  in  this 
section,  must  be  at  once  perceived  from  an  inspection 
of  the  topographical  map.  At  its  commencement,  the 
waters  of  the  Mohawk  river  will  be  used,  and  they  can 
be  increased  to  any  extent,  by  introducing  a  feeder 
from  Fish  creek.  Independently  of  numerous  small 
brooks,  the  canal  can  derive  as  much  water  as  can  be 
desired  from  the  Oneida,  the  Cowaslon,  the  Canasara- 


(    137    ) 

ga,  the  Chitteningo,  the  Black,  the  Limestone,  the  But- 
ternut, the  Onondaga,  the  Nine-mile,  the  Skaneateles, 
the  Bread,  the  Cold-spring,  the  Owasco,  and  the  Crane 
creeks ;  some  of  which  are  the  outlets  of  lakes,  and 
others  originate  from  perennial  springs  in  high  lands, 
and  will  never  be  affected  by  the  clearing  of  the  country. 
The  adaptation  of  the  grounds  of  this  section,  for  a 
canal,  is  peculiar  and  extraordinary.  After  proceed- 
ing two  miles  and  fourteen  chains,  it  will  be  necessary 
to  descend  6  feet ;  after  which,  the  line  of  the  canal 
proceeds  41  1-2  miles  on  one  level.  A  descent  of  19 
feet  then  takes  place,  from  the  foot  of  which  another 
level  extends  30  miles.  For  the  remainder  of  the 
distance  to  the  Seneca  river,  there  are  three  departures 
from  the  level — one  of  8,  one  of  9,  and  one  of  6  1-2  feet. 
Thus  the  w^hole  extent  of  this  section,  occupying  77 
miles,  will  require  but  6  locks. 

In  many  places  inexhaustible  beds  of  gypsum  exist, 
which  can,  by  means  of  this  canal,  be  conveyed  cheap- 
er to  the  great  agricultural  counties  of  the  state,  than  it 
can  be  procured  by  importation.  And  nothing  is  more 
easy  than,  by  a  short  lateral  canal  of  1  1-2  miles  in 
length,  to  form  a  communication  between  Salina  and 
the  great  canal,  thus  furnishing  fuel  to  the  works,  and 
salt  to  the  whole  country.  A  level  has  been  carried 
from  that  of  the  canal,  at  the  foot  of  the  two  locks  near 
Onondaga  creek,  which  would  require  no  greater  depth 
of  excavation  than  4  feet,  in  any  place,  and  no  embank- 
ment, culvert,  or  lock. 

A  connexion  by  locks  can  easily  be  made  with  the 
Onondaga  lake.  And  if  it  is  thought  adviseable,  a 
canal  uniting  the  great  canal  with  the  Oneida  lake,  can 
be  effected.  The  level  of  the  canal  is  51  feet  above 
the  Oneida  lake,  and  the  expense  of  this  lateral  com- 
munication may  be  estimated  as  follows  : 
Three  miles  of  canal,  at  an  average  cost  of  excavation, 
including  every  thing,  of  ^5,000  per  mile,  ^15,000 
Lockage  of  51  feet,  51,000 

6  large  culverts,  1,200 

Embankments,  &c.  4,000 

^71,200 


(    158    ) 

The  estimates,  per  mile,  herein  before  stated,  exclud- 
ing the  above  estimate  for  a  lateral  canal  to  Oneida 
lake,  and  also  the  expense  of  a  feeder  from  Oneida 
creek,  in  the  aggregate,  amount  to  g609,696 

There  are  other  expenses  to  be  added.  The  line  of 
the  canal  passes  over  46  roads,  where  bridges  will  be 
required,  and  these  are  estimated  at  ^500  a  piece, 
(probably  too  much,)  p3,000 

A  feeder  from  Limestone  creek,  20  chains  long. 
Expense, 

For  excavation  of  3,500  c.  y.  at   12^  c.  ^437 
guard-gate  and  dam,  1,500 

•— ^1,937 

A  feeder  from  Butternut  creek,  60  chains  long. 
Expense, 

For  excavation  of  10,500  c.  y.  at  12  1-2  c.  ^1,312 
dam  and  guard -gates,  1,500 

grubbing,  &c.  1,100 

— P,912 

A  feeder  from  Nine-mile  creek,  3  miles  long-  Ex- 
pense, 

For  excavation  of  42,242  c.  y.  at  12  1-2  c.  ^5,280 
dam  and  guard -gates,  J, 500 

grubbing,  &;c.  3,000 

— p,780 

A  feeder  from  the  Owasco  outlet,  15  chains  long. 
Expense, 

For  excavation  of  3,000  c.  y.  at  12  1-2  cts.  $375 
raising  5  1-2  feet  on  a  mill  dam,  2,000 

guard-gates,  &c.  500 

— -^ $2,8T5 

Expense  of  two  guard-locks,  of  2  feet  lift  each,  at 
Chitteningo  creek,  to  prevent  floods  from  entering  the 
canal,  ^6,000 

of  two  stop-gates  at  Carpenter's  brook,  1,800 

do.         at  Bread  creek,  1 ,800 

do.         at  Cold-spring  brook,  1,800 

2  locks,  of  2  feet  lift  each,  at  Skaneateles,  ^ 
to  prevent  water  from  rushing  into  the  i     „    „^ 
canal  in  freshets.     It  is  not  certain  that  [      ' 
these  will  be  necessary,  J 


(    159    ) 

6  locks  for  an  ascent  of  48  1-2  feet,  allow-  )  ^q  ^05 

ing  per  foot  ^1,250,  5      ' 

The  whole  of  this  section  passes  through   earth  of 

such  a  texture,  or  so  situated,  as  to  be  deemed  secure 

from  leakage.  Puddling  will,  therefore,be  requisite  only 

for  some  of  the  high  embankments,  estimated  at  glO,000 

The  aggregate  amount  of  all  preceding 

items,  is  ^739,225 

Add  five  per  cent,  for  contingencies,  ^36,961 
for    engineers,  superintendence, 
and  expenses  connected  there- 
with, at  ^1,000  per  mile,  77,000 

The  total  amount  of  estimates  for  the  middle 

section,  is  ^853,186 

The  five  per  cent,  for  contingencies  is  borrowed 
from  the  European  mode  of  forming  estimates ;  and  the 
charge  of  $1,000  per  mile  for  engineers,  superintend- 
ence, &c.  is  too  liberal. 

The  eastern  section  of  the  canal  extends  from  Rome 
to  the  Hudson  river ;  and  Charles  C.  Broadhead,  Esq. 
was  employed  as  engineer,  to  act  upon  that  part  of  it 
which  lies  between  Rome  and  Schoharie  creek,  He 
has  accordingly  levelled  over  and  explored  the  route, 
within  these  limits  ;  and  in  the  following  details  there- 
of, reference  is  had  to  his  minutes,  maps,  and  profiles, 
herewith  presented : 

Beginning,  then,  at  a  stone  placed  by  Mr.  Wright,  in 
the  south  west  bank  of  the  Rome  canal,  standing 
45.100  of  a  foot  above  the  level  of  the  water,  (being  the 
point  marked  A,  on  Mr.  Wright's  map,)  and  proceeding 
down  the  Mohawk  river  along  the  south  shore  there- 
of, the  route  is  described  and  estimated  as  follows : 

Mile  1st,  Passes,  for  36  chains,  over  rich  bottom 
lands,  then  16  chains  of  alder  swamp.  The  residue  is 
gravel  and  loam,  descending  to  the  north.  The  Little 
Oneida  creek  crosses  the  line  in  the  swamp,  with  its  bed 
2.59  feet  below  the  level.  An  embankment,  in  the 
swamp,  will  be  required,  of  16  chains  long,  and  from  1 
to  4  1-2  feet  high,  with  a  culvert  to  pass  the  water  of 
the  creek.     Expense, 


(    l&O    ) 

For  embankment  of  3,230  c.  y.  at  20  cts.  $646 

excavation  of  27,500  do.  at  12  1-2  do.  3,437 

1  culvert,  100 

dam  across  Little  Oneida  500 

^4,683 

Mile  2d,  Passes  over  60  chains  of  gravel,  mixed  with 
clay,  the  rest  sandy.     The  line  for  20  chains  runs  near 
the  edge  of  a  swamp.     A  small  run  of  water  crosses  the 
line,  where  a  culvert  will  be  necessary.     Expense, 
For  excavation  of  26,700  c.  y.  at  12^  c.  ^3,337 

1  culvert,  100 

■ ^3,437 

Mile  3d,  Passes  over  gravel,  clay,  and  loam,  with 
some  places  stony,  and  descending  to  the  north,  in  some 
places  steep.  Ibe  line  maybe  so  varied,  in  this  mile, 
as  to  avoid  extra  digging,  by  lengthening  it.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  52,120  c.  y.  at  18  c.  $9,381 
1  culvert,  100 

9,481 

Mile  ith,  Passes  over  flat  stony  land,  consisting  of 
loam  and  clay  for  the  first  20  chains.  The  residue  is 
loam  and  sand,  descending  northerly.  The  line  for 
the  greatest  part  of  this  mile,  runs  at  the  foot  of  a  hill, 
near  the  edge  of  a  swamp,  and  16  chains  of  it  lies 
through  woods.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  26,800  c.  y.  at  12i  c.  $3,350 

2  culverts,  200 
grubbing  and  clearing,                          300 

$3,850 

Mile  5th,  Passes  over  land  of  a  description  similar  to 
the  last,  except  that  64  chains  lies  through  wood  land. 
There  are  two  small  runs  of  water,  which  may  be  admit- 
ted into  the  canal  without  injury,  or  if  passed  under, 
they  will  require  2  culverts.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  34,190  c.  y.  at  14  cts.  $4,786 
2  culverts,  200 

grubbing,  &c.  1,200 

$6,186 

Mile  6th,  Passes  generally  over  clay  and  loam,  gent- 
ly declining  to  the  north.     The  route  lies  between  the 


(    161    ) 

edge  of  a  swamp  and  the  foot  of  a  hill.     There  are,  in 
this  mile,  56  chains  of  woodland,  and  a  fine  quarry  of 
building  stone  contiguous  to  the  line.     There  are  two 
streams  which  require  culverts.     Expense, 
For  excavation  of  38,110  c.  j.  at  14  cts.  ^4,339 
2  culverts,  200 

grubbing,  &:c.  800 

^5,339 

Mile  7th,  Passes  for  the  first  24  chains,  along  a  steep 
side  hill ;  the  residue  of  the  mile  descends  gently  to  the 
north.  The  earth  is  generally  sand  and  clay,  with  some 
stone.  It  is  easy  to  excavate.  There  is  one  small 
stream,  and  a  fine  quarry  of  building  stone.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  2 1,960  c.  y.  at  12^  c.S2,745 
2  culverts,  200 

embankment  of  1,670  c.  y.  at  20  cts.  334 

$3,279 

Mile  Sth,  Passes  generally  over  sand  and  loam,  of 
which  the  surface  is  pretty  even.  In  this  mile  the  Oris- 
kany  creek  crosses  the  line,  where  an  embankment,  15 
chains  long,  and  from  4  to  13  feet  high,  will  be  neces- 
sary. The  bed  of  the  creek  is  11  feet  below  the  level, 
and  a  canal,  from  a  woollen  manufactory,  which  crosses 
the  line  here,  is  5.30  feet  below  the  level.  A  cul- 
vert will  be  wanted  for  the  little  canal,  and  large  water- 
ways for  the  creek  ;  but  these  will  be  provided  for  in 
the  estimate  of  an  aqueduct,  by  which  the  creek  and  ca- 
nal will  best  be  passed.  By  throwing  a  dam  across  the 
Oriskany  5  feet  high,  at  a  point  46  chains  above  the 
line,  the  water  may  be  brought,  in  a  feeder,  into  the 
canal,  as  represented  on  the  map.  Expense, 
For  aqueduct  over  creek  and  canal,  $15000 
excavation  of  20,500  c.  y.  at  12^  c.  2,575 
embankment  near  the  48th  station,  of 

2,640  c.  yards,  at  20  cents,  528 

feeder  46  ch.  long,  requiring  the  exca- 
vation of  12,130  c.  y.  at  15  cents,  1,719 
For  embankment  on  feeder,  of  2,810  c.  y. 

at  20  cents,  562 

dam  and  guard  gate,  1,000 

21  ^21,384 


(    162    ) 

Mile  9thi  Passes  generally  over  a  soil  composed  of 
sand  and  loam,  easy  to  excavate.  The  route  passes 
over  the  side  of  the  Oriskany  hill,  which  is  in  some  pla- 
ces very  steep,  and  which  has  at  its  foot  a  miry  cedar 
and  tamarack  swamp.  A  ravine  must  be  crossed  where 
it  is  one  chain  and  fifty  links  wide,  and  6^  feet  deep. — 
This  will  require  an  embankment  and  small  culvert. — 
By  a  route  bending  to  the  north,  the  deepjcutting  might 
be  avoided.     Expense, 

For  excavation  of  40,200  c.  y.  at  12-|^  c.  $5,025 
1  culvert,  100 

^5,125 

Mile  lOth,  Passes  over  earth  easy  to  be  excavated, 
but  considerably  uneven.  Three  small  streams,  requi- 
ring 2  culverts  cross  the  line.  These  streams  rise  in  a 
sandy  hill,  considerably  above  the  level,  and  in  fresh- 
ets bring  down  much  sand  in  their  waters.  But  if  it 
should  be  thought  advisable,  they  may  be  let  into  the 
canal,  by  a  side  cut,  with  very  little  expense,  and  with- 
out injury.     Expense, 

For  excavation  of  27,000  cubic  yards,  at  twelve  and 
an  half  cents,  $3,375 

embankment  of  6,260  c.  y.  at  20  cts.    1,252 
1  culvert,  250 

$4,877 

Miles  llth  8{  12/A,Are  described  together.  The  first 
part  of  the  11th  mile  passes  over  level  ground,  and 
near  the  edge  of  the  bank  above  the  bottom  land. 
Here  two  routes  have  been  explored  for  a  short  dis- 
tance, (see  map.)  If  the  north  route  is  adopted,  which 
is  probably  the  best,  an  embankment  of  45  chains 
long,  and  from  7  to  8  feet  high,  will  be  necessary,  with 
a  culvert  sufiicient  to  pass  the  waters  of  the  Sadaque- 
da  creek,  which  is  50  links  wide.  The  bed  of  this 
creek  is  11^^  feet  below  the  level.  Near  the  east  end 
of  the  12th  mile,  is  a  ravine,  requiring  an  embankment 
of  4  chains  long,  and  from  4  to  13|^feet  high,  under 
which  must  be  a  culvert  to  pass  a  small  stream.  If  the 
south  route  should  be  adopted,  less  embankment  will 
be  necessary,  but  deep  cutting  will  be  incurred ;  be- 
sides, it  is  probably  more  difficult  to  cross  the  mill  ca- 


(    163    ) 

nal,  than  the  stream  below,  and  the  old  bed  of  the 
stream   must  be  crossed  in  either  case.     Expense  of 
Mile  1 1  th^  For  embankment  of  28,000  cubic  yards, 
at  25  cents,  ;8i7,000 

excavation  of  1,450  do.  at  12  ^do.       4,815 
embankment  of  4,220  do.  at  20  do.         844 

$9,659 

Mile  12th,  Embankment   of  39,900   cubic  yards,  at 

25  cents,  $9,775 

2  culverts,  250 

aqueduct  over  the  Sadaqueda  creek,  6000 

excavation  of  7,000  c.  y.  at  12  ^  cts.       875 

$17,100 

Mile  13th,  Passes  over   loam,  of  which  the  excava- 
tion is  very  easy.     It  descends  gradually  to  the  north. 
Two  culverts  will  be  required.     Expense, 
excavation  of  26,800  c.  y.  at  20  cts      $3,350 
2  culverts,  250 

$3,600 

Mile  14th,  Passes  over  earth  easy  to  excavate,  and 
it  descends  gently  to  the  north.  At  Nail  creek  an  em- 
bankment will  be  required,  of  8  chains  in  length  on  the 
top,  and  6  chains  long  on  the  bottom.  The  bed  of  the 
creek  is  14^  feet  below  the  level ;  it  is  also  30  links  wide. 
Here  must  be  a  culvert.  If  the  north  route  of  the  ca- 
nal is  adopted,  (see  11th  mile,)  an  embankment  on  the 
last  part  of  this  mile  will  be  required,  of  20  chains  long, 
and  from  5  to  8  feet  high,  and  this  embankment  extends 
into  the  next  mile.  If  the  south  route  is  adopted,  there 
will  be  required  from  3  to  4  feet  extra  deep  cutting  for 
34  chains.    Expense, 

For  embankment  of  17,240  c.  y.  at  20  cts.  $3,448 
excavation  of  41,200  c.  y.  at  15  cts.  6,180 
aqueduct'over  Nail  creek,  500 

$10,128 

Mile  15th,  On  the  north  route,  will  require  from  its 
commencement,  an  embankment  from  5  to  20  feet  high, 
and  44  chains  long,  including  Ballou's  creek  and  ravine, 
where  a  culvert  will  be  wanted,  larger  than  common, 
as  the  creek  is  50  links  wide,  and  Ip.rge  enough  in  the 
spring  to  carry  a   grist-mill,  though  nearly  dry  in  the 


(    164    ) 

summer.     On  the  south  route,  there  would  be  required 
about  60  chains  of  extra  deep  cutting,  and  an  embank- 
ment over  Ballou's  creek  and  ravine,  of  four  chains  and 
50  links  in  length,  and  from  12  to  15  feet  deep,  includ- 
ing the  culvert.     Expense, 
For  excavation  of  85,000  c.y.  at  12  1-2  c.  ^10,625 
embankment  of  6,300  do.  at  20  c.         1,260 
aqueduct  over  Ballou's  creek,  500 

^12,385 

Mile  16M,  Passes  over  a  gravelly  loam,  descending 
to  the  north.  An  embankment  is  necessary  2  chains 
long,  and  14  1-2  feet  high,  with  a  small  culvert  under 
it     Expense, 

For  embankment  of  4,920  c.  y.  at  20  cts.    ^984 
culvert,  100 

excavation  of  32,000  c.  y.  at  12  1-2  c.  4,000 

^5,084 

Mile  17 th,  Passes  over  land   like  the  last.     Clark's 
creek  and  ravine  cross  the  line,  where  an  embankment 
will  be  wanted,  4  chains  50  links  long  on  the  top,  and 
3  chains  50  links  at  the   bottom,  and  13  1-2  feet  high, 
including  a  culvert.  This  creek  rises  high  in  the  spring, 
and  its  bed  is  30  links  wide.     Another  embankment  is 
necessary  on  this  mile,  to  be  3  chains  50  links  long  on 
the  top,  and  2  chains  50  links  at  the  bottom,  and  6    1-2 
feet  high,  including  a  small  culvert.     Expense, 
For  embankment  of  14,560  c.  y.  at  20  cts.  ^2,912 
excavation  of  35,200  c.  y.  at  15  c.      4,280 
aqueduct  over  Clark's  creek,  500 

2  culverts,  600 

$  8,292 

Mile  ISth,  Passes  over  sand,  gravel,  and  loam.  Seve- 
ral creeks,  runs,  and  ravines,  cross  ^he  line,  requiring 
embankments  and  culverts,  as  follows  :  1st  ravine,  2 
chains  50  links  long  on  the  top,  and  50  links  less  on  the 
bottom.  It  is  11  1-2  feet  deep,  and  requires  a  culvert. 
The  2d  ravine  is  1  chain  50  links  long  on  the  top,  and 
1  chain  on  the  bottom,  and  17  1-2  feet  deep.  The  3d 
is  2  chains  25  links  long  on  the  top,  1  chain  and  25 
links  on  the  bottom,  and  1  If  feet  deep.  The  4th  is 
J  erguson's  creek,  25  links  wide,  and  6f  feet  below 


(   165    ) 

the  level,  and  may  be  made  still  lower  4  or  5  feet 
This  creek  rises  in  a  hill,  and  in  a  wet  season  swells 
much  over  its  banks.  Here  a  small  embankment  will 
be  required,  of  from  1  to  2^  feet  high,  and  8  chains 
long  Another  ravine  and  run  cross  the  canal  west  of 
Ferguson's  creek,  of  2  chains  25  links  across  on  the 
top,  1  chain  25  links  on  the  bottom,  and  6i  feet  deep, 
where  an  embankment  will  be  necessary.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  55,120  c.  y.  at  15  c.  ^8,268 
embankment  of  14,615  c.  y.  at  10  c.    2,923 

5  culverts,  1,000 

;$!12,191 

Mile  1 9M,  Passes  over  land  easy  to  excavate,  but  in- 
cludes 6  small  creeks  and  ravines,  where  so  many  em- 
bankments and  culverts  will  be  required.     Expense, 
For  excavation  of  23,500  c.  y.  at   121-  c.  ^12,937 
embankment  of  18,926  c.  y.  at  20  c.    3,787 

6  culverts,  600 

^^,324 

Mile  20th,  Passes  generally  along  a  pretty  steep  side 
hill,  the  soil  being  of  sand  and  loam.  Dederick's  creek 
crosses  the  line,  and  requires  an  embankment  2  chains 
long,  and  Hi  feet   deep,  where  a  culvert  is  necessa- 
ry.     There  are  besides  this  creek,  four  small  runs,  re- 
quiring 3  culverts.     Expense, 
For  embankment  of  3,820  c.  y.  at  20  c.      $  764 
excavation  of  26,800  do  at  12^  do.         3,350 
4  culverts,  400 

^4,514 

Mile  21st,  Passes  over  ground  easy  to  excavate, 
and  generally  on  a  side  hill.  The  surface  is  here  une- 
ven, requiring  several  small  embankments  and  culverts, 
Expense, 

For  embankment  of  4,000  c.  y.  at  20  cts.  ;8i800 
excavation  of  38,330  do.  at  12|  do.  4,791 
4  culverts,  400 

;g!5,991 

Mile  22c?,  Passes  over  uneven  land,  easy  to  excavate, 
in  which,  beside  smaller  ones,  there  is  a  ravine  re- 
quiring an  embankment  6  chains  long,  and  from  12  to  16 
feet  deep.    Expense, 


(    166    ) 

For  embankment  of  18,930  c.  y.  at  20  c.  $2,786 
excavation  of  38,000  do.  at  12^  do,  4,750 
5  culverts,  800 

-$8,336 

Mile  23d,  Passes  over  land  which  is,  in  some  places, 
wet  and  stony,  but  generally  consists  of  sand,  loam, 
and  gravel.  Here  is  a  brook,  30  links  v*^ide,  running 
in  a  ravine,  which  requires  an  embankment  3  chains 
long  and  16  i- feet  high.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  51,500  c.  y.  at  15  ets.  ^8,725 
embankment,  9,170  do.  at  20  1,834 

1  culvert,  200 

^10,759 

Mile  2ith,  Passes  over  1 6  chains  of  bottom  land,  and 
the  rest  stony  and  gravelly.     Here  are  several  ravines 
and  runs  of  water,  of  which  the  principal  one  is  Mey- 
er's creek,  which  in  time  of  high  water  is  a  mad  stream 
overflowing  the  flats.   There  are,  however,  in  this  mile, 
no  difficulties  which  may  not  easily  be  overcome  with 
small  embankments,  suitable  culverts,  and  an  aqueduct 
over  Meyer's  creek.     Expense, 
For  embankment  of  9,853,  c.  y.  at  20  cts.  ^1,970 
excavation  of  22,500  do.  at  12^  do.         2,812 
3  culverts,  300 

aqueduct  over  Meyer's  creek,  2000 

^7,08^ 
Mile  25//i,  Passes  for  the  most  part,  over  a  flat,  filled 
with  round  stones ;  for  the  rest,  along  the  side  of  a  hill, 
consisting  of  sand,  gravel,  and  loam.     There  is  here  a 
ravine  4  chains  and  80  links  long  on  the  top,  4  chains 
on  the  bottom,  and  10  feet  deep.     There  will  also  be 
required  an  "embankment  over  Dy gert's  creek,  7  chains 
and  40  links  long,  and  9  feet  high.     This  creek  is  20 
links  wide,  and  must  have  a  culvert.     Expense, 
For  embankment  of  17,320  c.  y.  at  20  c.  $2,474 
excavation  of  29,500  do.  at  121^  do.        3,b75 
3  culverts,  750 

^ =—^6,899 

Mile  26th^  For  the  first  56  chains,  passes  over  land  de- 
scending gradually  to  the  north,  of  which  the  earth  is 
gravel  and  loam.    The  residue  is  rich  bottom  land.—- 


(    167  ) 

For  42  chains  of  this  mile,  embankments  are  necessa- 
ry, of  which  the  largest  is  required  at  Steel's  creek, 
which  lies  13^  feet  below  the  level.  This  creek  re- 
quires a  passage  at  least  30  links  wide,  being  at  times 
swollen  and  rapid.  The  greatest  part  of  the  embank- 
ment in  this  mile  might  be  avoided  by  a  more  southerly 
route,  but  in  that  case  the  high  point  of  a  hill  must  be 
cut  through.     Expense, 

For  excavation  of  4,780  c.  y.  at  12|-  cents  ;g937 
embankment  of  42,500  c.  y.  at  25  cents  10,525 
1  culvert  and  aqueduct  over  Steel's  ) 

creek,  5     2,500 

^13,962 

Mile  llthi  For  one-third  of  the  way,  runs  over  a  steep 
side  hill ;  the  residue  descends  gradually  to  the  north. 
An  embankment  of  16  chains  long,  and  from  4  to  13 
feet  high,  will  be  required  over  a  low  piece  of  ground 
which  cannot  be  avoided.     Expense, 
For  embankment  of  19,  700  c.  y.  at  20  c.  ^3,940 
excavation  of  18,500  c.y.  at  12  1-2  c.  2,312 
aqueduct,  500 

1  culvert,  200 

— ^ ^6,452 

Mile  2Sth,  For  about  48  chains,  runs  along  a  ridge 
of  round  stones  ;  for  the  rest  it  runs  over  flat  land.    An 
embankment,  4  chains  long,  and  from  4  to  13  feet  high, 
is  required  in  crossing  Fulmer's  creek,  where  a  small 
aqueduct  is  necessary.     Expense, 
For  embankment  of  3,600  c.  y.  at  20  cts.      ^720 
excavation  of  20,000  c.  y.  at  12  1-2  c.   2,500 
aqueduct  2,500 

^5,720 

Mile  29th,  For  about  14  chains,  runs  along  land 
which  has  a  gentle  slope  to  the  north.  The  next  32  ch. 
runs  along  the  foot  of  a  steep  hill,  called  the  dug-way, 
where  a  rough  stone  wall  will  probably  be  necessary  on 
both  sides  of  the  canal ;  on  the  north  side,  to  support  the 
bank  of  the  canal,  and  on  the  south  side,  to  prevent  the 
hill  from  falling  into  it.  The  residue  of  the  mile  passes 
over  bottom  land,  overflowed  in  the  spring  and  fall, 
where  an  embankment  and  a  wall,  of  from  3  to  14  feet 


(    168    ) 

high,  and  40  chains  long,  will  be  wanted,  on  the  north 
side  of  the  canal,  to  protect  it  against  the  floods  of  the 
Mohawk.     Within  20  or  30   rods   are  plenty  of  good 
building  stone.     Expense, 
For  stone  wall  at  the  dug-way,  ^5,000 

embankment  and  other  stone  wall,  8,250 
excavation  of  4000  c.  y.  at  12icts.  500 
1  culvert,  200 

— ^13,950 

Mile  30th^  For  about  50  chains,  runs  between  the  foot 
of  a  steep  hill  and  the  river,  over  gravel  and  hard  earth, 
difficult  to  excavate.  The  residue  of  the  soil  is  loam 
and  sand.  An  embankment  will  be  required  of  26  ch. 
long,  and  from  3  to  J  6  feet  high,  to  pass  a  ravine,  where 
a  small  culvert  will  be  necessary.  Expense, 
For  embankment  of  49,650  c.  y.  at  15  c.  ^7,464 
excavation  of  24,000  do.  at  12^  do.  3,000 

1  culvert,  100 

$10,564 

Mile  3lst,    Passes   over  gravelly  loam    and  bottom 
land.  Here  is  considerable  deep  cutting,  and  the  line 
might  be  varied  so  as  to  avoid  it  in  part,  but  in  that  case 
it  would  pass  through  a  burying  ground.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  65,100  c.  y.  at  15  c.      ^9,766 
culvert,  100 

$9,866 

Mile  32t/,  For  60  chains  passes  over  a  gravelly  loam, 
and  for  the  residue,  over  limestone,  oi  which  a  part  is 
solid  rock.  A  small  embankment  will  be  necessary  on 
this  mile.     Expense, 

For  embankment  of  4,400  c.  y.  at  20  cts.    $880 

excavation  of  21,500  c.  y.  at  i2i  cts.    2,687 

do.  through  the  limestone  rock,  4,000 

2  culverts,  200 

$7,767 

Mile  33c?,  For  about  twelve  chains,  continues  over  the 
limestone  ridge  mentioned  above.  The  rest  of  this 
mile  consists  of  uneven  gravel  and  loam,  interspersed 
with  stone.  Three  culverts  will  be  required,  and  a 
considerable  embankment.    Expense, 


;# 


(     169     ) 

For  embankment  of  10,500  c.  y.  at  20  c.  $2,100 

excavation  of  18,000  c.  y.  at  121-  c.  2,250 

do.     rock,  2,500 

3  culverts,  300 


$7,150 

Mile  3ith^  For  the  most  part,  passes  over  land  which 
is  gravelly,  and  in  some  places  hard  and  stony.  Pro- 
bably a  little  b*^low  the  surface  some  rock  will  have  to 
be  excavated.  A  brook,  on  which  there  is  a  grist-mill, 
crosses  the  line.  This  brook  may  be  conducted  into 
the  canal  with  little  expense.  Expense, 
For  excavating  rock  and  earth,  34,000  ) 

cubic  yards,  at  5.3  cents,  5^18,700 

embankment  of  5,300  c.  y.  at  20  c.        1,060 
2  culverts,  300 

S  20,060 

Mile  35th.  The  description  of  the  last  mile  applies 
to  this,   even  to  the  receiving  into  the  canal  a  small 
stream  of  water.     Expense, 
For  excavating  rock  and  earth,  26,580  ) 

cubic  yards,  at  50  cents,  5  $13,290 

2  culverts,  300 

$1.3,590 

Miles  36,  37,  and  38.  These  three  miles  includes  the 
route  of  the  canal  at  the  Little  Falls,  and  are  described 
together; — 57  chains  of  the  3bth  mile  pass  along  the 
foot  of  Fall  hill  to  A,  on  a  piece  of  ground  about  one 
chain  wide  between  the  hill  and  the  bottomland.  This 
part  is  gravelly,  with  some  loose  stone,  and  solid  rock, 
and  has  an  uneven  surface,  with  the  appearance  of 
having  fallen  from  the  hill.  Near  the  house  of  Col. 
Bellinger,  a  small  stream  crosses  the  line,  and  here  the 
deep  cutting  may  be  partly  shunned  by  passing  north 
of  his  house.  From  A  to  B,  is  a  ravine  14  chains  50 
links  long,  in  which  there  is  a  fall  of  46  feet,  requiring 
to  be  descended  by  jfive  locks.  The  banks  of  the  ra 
vine  consist  of  rock,  and  rise  from  4  to  40  feet,  leaving 
a  width  between  them,  from  50  to  100  links.  At  B, 
the  line  runs  on  the  beach  of  the  Mohawk,  and  Httle  or 
no  excavation  will  be  necessary  from  A,  at  the  upper 

22 


» 


(     170    ) 

end  of  the  ravine,  to  the  island  in  the  river.     From  B, 
to  the  head  of  this  island,  it  is  proposed  to  build  a  dam 
of  sufficient  height  to  exclude  the  waters  of  the  Mo- 
hawk from  running  on  the  south  side  of  the  island,  the 
island  itself,  and  the  north  bank  of  the  ravine  between 
A  and  B,  being,  at   present,  higher  than  such  a  dam 
would  require  to  be.     From  B  to  C,  which  is  opposite 
to  the   lower  en^  of  the  island,  at  a  place   where  the 
canal  line  enters  another  ravine,  is   about   24  chains. 
At  C,  the  water  is  six  feet  deep,  with  a  bottom  of  rock. 
Just  below  the  upper  entrance  of  the  ravine  atC,   it  is 
proposed  to  build  another  dam,  20  feet  high,  and  ex- 
tending from  the  lower  end  of  the  island  across  to  the 
south  shore  of  the  river.     Such  a  dam  would  set  the 
water  back  to  the  foot  of  the  locks  at  B,  with  a  depth 
all  the  way  between,  sufficient  for  the  canal.     From  C 
to  D,  a  distance  of  28  chains,  the  ravine  last  above-men- 
tioned extends,  and  is  separated  from  the  Mohawk  on 
the  north  by  a  rough  irregular  bank  of  rock  and  earth, 
which  seems  to  have  been  thrown  from  the   precipice 
on  the  south,  with  such  violence  as  to  be  separated  from 
it  at   the  bottom,   for  the  space  of  from  4  to   6  rods, 
which  forms  the  width  of  the  ravine.     There  are  here 
two  places  where  a  passage  for  the  canal  must  be  exca 
vated  through  granite  rock.    The  first  of  these  places 
extends  from  the  bank  of  the  river  eastward,  and  is  4 
chains  long,  and  at  the  highest  point,  6  1-2  feet  above 
the  level.     The  second  is  5  chains  50  links  long,  and 
at  the  highest  point,  13.47  feet  above  the  level.     From 
D  to  E.  is  57  chains,  over  which  the  line  runs  along  the 
foot  of  Fall  hill,  where  the  width  of  ground  between  a 
mountain  of  rock,  on  one  side,  and  the  bank  of  the  river, 
on  the  other,  is  not  more  than  from  50  to  100  Iks.    For 
the  north  bank  of  the  canal,  throughout  this  distance,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  build  a  substantial  stone  wall,  and 
to  line  it,  on  the  inside,  with  a  considerable  quantity  of 
tight  or  well  puddled  earth.    Here  must  also  be  a  lock 
with  a  descent  of  6.85  feet.     From  E  to  the  end  of  the 
38th  mile,  the  hne  passes  over  rich  bottom  land,  which 
is  not  overflowed  by  the  river,  but  which  requires  three 
culverts.    Expense, 


(    171    ) 

For  excavation  of  40,600  c.y.  at  22i  c.  ^5,750 
do.  of  rock  for  canal  and  locks,  in  all 
97,500  c.  y.  at  75  cents,  73,125 

stone  wall  between  the  river  and 

Fall  hill,  4,560 

2  dams,  one  at  the  head  and  the  other 

at  the  foot  of  the  island,  25,000 

3  culverts,  300 

^108,735 

Mile  39/^,  Passes  over  land  easy  to  excavate,  lying 
between  the  bottom  land  and  a  hill.     Expense, 
For  excavation  of  29,496  c.  y.  at  121-  cts.  $3,687 

Mile  40th,   Passes  over  some  loam,   some  clay,  and 
some  loose  round  stone,  in  general  not  quite  so  easy  to 
excavate  as  the  last,  and  requiring  one  culvert.     Ex- 
pense, 
For  excavation  of  32,124  c.y.  at  12i  c.  ^4,01 5 

1  culvert,  100 

$4,115 

Mile  41st,  Passes  for  the  most  part  over  bottom  land 
easy  to  excavate.  The  Nowendaga  creek,  of  which 
the  bottom  is  dark  limestone,  crosses  the  line  in  this 
mile.  This  creek  is  50  links  wide  between  its  banks, 
and  may  be  conducted  over  the  canal,  as  it  lies  much 
above  the  level  near  the  route.  The  deep  cutting  can- 
not be  avoided.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  73,616  c.  y.  at  18  cts.$  13,250 

2  dams,  gates,  &;c.  at  the  creek,  5,000 

$18,250 

Mile  42J,  Runs  generally  along  the  foot  of  the  high 
ground,  and  at  the  edge  of  the  bottom  land.  In  some 
places  it  is  stony,  and  the  bottom  land  in  this  mile  is 
low  and  swampy.  Two  culverts  will  be  required. — 
The  deep  cutting  may  be  avoided  by  crooking  a  little 
to  the  north.     Expense, 

For  excavation  of  26,800  c.  y.  at  I2ic.  $3,350 

For  embankment  of  2,100  do.  at  20  do.     $820 

2  culverts,  200 

$4,470 


(    172    ) 

Mile  43d,  Will  require  an  embankment  12  cli.  long, 
and  from  4  to  6  feet  high.  The  earth  is  chiefly  gravel 
and  loam.  There  is  a  piece  of  deep  cutting  which  can- 
not be  avoided.  Over  the  \ow  ground,  a  stone  vt^all,  20 
chains  long,  and  from  6  to  10  feet  high,  to  support  one 
of  the  banks  of  the  canal,  will  be  wanted.  Expense, 
For  embankment  of  6,600  c.  y,  at  20  cts.$  1,320 
excavation  of  40,100  c.  y.  at  14  cts.  5,614 
stone  wall,  1,600 

1  culvert,  100 

^8,634 

Mile  4:4th^  Passes  over  gravel  and  loam,  generally 
full  of  round  stones.  In  some  places  it  is  wet  and  bog- 
gy, but  with  a  hard  bottom.  Two  small  embankments 
are  necessary.  There  is  here  a  small  stream  which 
may  be  received  into  the  canal.  Expense, 
For  embankment  of  13,600  cubic  yards,  at  twenty 
cents,  ^2,720 

excavation  of  26,«00  c.y.at  12i  cts.  3,350 
1  culvert,  "  ]00 

g6,170 

Mile  4:bth,  Passes  over  ground  descending  gently  to 
the  north ;  in  some  places  stony,  and  in  others  boggy, 
not  hard  to  excavate.     Some  embankment  and   a  cul- 
vert will  be  necessary.         Expense, 
For  embankment  of  2,640  c.y.  at  20  cts.  ^528 
excavation  of  20,800  do.  at  15  do.       4,020 

1  culvert,  200 

— ^ $4,748 

Mile  4:6th,  Passes  over  ground  which  will  answer  to 
the  description  of  the  last  mile,  except  that  two  runs  of 
water  cross  the  line,  requiring  each  a  culvert.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  30,000  c.  y.  at  15  cts.  ^4,500 

2  culverts,  200 

^4,700 

Mile  4.7th,  Passes  over  land  generally  descending  to 
the  north,  with  its  surface  gravelly  and  stony.     Here 
Mill  brook,  a  small  rapid  stream,  crosses  the  line.     Ex- 
pense, 
For  embankment  of  3,160  c.  y.  at  20  cts.     ^632 


(    173    ) 

excavation  of  24,500  do.  at  12|do.      3,068 
dam  to  pass  Mill  brook,  2,500 

^6,200 

Mile  48?it,  Passes  over  land  generally  descending 
gently  to  the  north,  but  of  which,  16  chains  has  a  steep 
descent,  and  consists  of  clay.  Several  small  streams 
cross  the  line,  requiring  embankments  and  culverts. 
Expense, 

For  excavation  of  40,200  c.  y.  at  121-  c.   ^5,025 
embankment  of  528  do.  at  20  do.  105 

3  culverts,  500 

-^5,630 

Mile  4.9ih,  Passes  from  the  end  of  the  last  mile  to  A, 
over  steep  side-lying  ground,  consisting  of  gravel  and 
clay.  The  residue  of  the  mile  runs  along  the  beach  of 
the  river,  at  the  foot  of  an  almost  perpendicular  hill, 
consisting  of  rock  and  blue  clay,  full  of  springs.  Here 
will  be  required  a  stone  wall,  on  both  sides  of  the  ca? 
nal,for  40  chains.  Expense, 
For  stone  walls,   '  ^9,600 

embankment,  6,250 

excavation  of  20,700  c.  y.  at  12^  c.         2,575 

1  culvert,  200 

P  8,625 

Mile  50th,  Passes  over  a  steep  side-hill  of  clay  and 

gravel,  easy  to  excavate.     Two  small  runs  cross  the 

line,  of  which  one  is  8^^  feet,  and  the  other  9^^  feet 

below  the  level.     Expense, 

For  excavation  of  17,850  c.  y.  at  15  cts.    ^2,677 
embankment  of  14,750  do.  at  20  do.       2,950 

2  culverts,  200 

^5,827 

Mile  5lst,  Runs,  for  66  chains,  at  the  foot  of  a  hill, 
where  the  line  may  be  varied  so  as  to  require  but  lit- 
tle extra  excavation.  Three  embankments  will  be  re- 
quired, of  which  the  largest  must  be  14  chains  long, 
and  from  7  to  10  feet  high,  and  3  culverts  will  be  re- 
quired. Expense, 
For  excavation  of  20,100  c.  y.  at  12  1-2  c.  $2,507 


(    174    ) 

embankment  of  16, 192  do.  at  20  do.   3,238 
3  culverts,  950 

g6,705 

Mile  52</,  Runs  from  its  commencement,  32  chains 
over  bottom  land,  where  an  embankment,  5  feet  high, 
will  be  required.  In  this  distance,  the  Esquago  creek 
crosses  the  line.  This  stream  is  2  chains  30  links  wide 
between  its  banks,  and  12ifeet  below  the  level,  and 
one  of  the  most  violent  creeks  on  the  whole  section, 
requiring  an  aqueduct.  Expense, 
For  embankment  over  the  Esquago  flats,  of  39,600 
cubic  yards,  at  25  cents,  ^9,960 

excavation  of  13,120  do.  at  12^  do.         1,640 
aqueduct,  9,500 

^21,040 

Mile  53d,  Passes  along  the  edge  of  a  hill  of  gravel, 
chiefly  easy  to  excavate.  Two  small  runs  cross  the 
line  here,  which  may  be  admitted  into  the  canal  without 
expense.  One  culvert  will  be  necessary.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  23,150  c.  y.  at  12^  c.  ^2,893 
1  culvert,  "  100 

^2,993 

Mile  54:th,  Passes  over  soil  like  the  last.  The  Kaates- 
kill  crosses  the  line  in  this  mile.  It  takes  its  rise  in  the 
hills  south,  and  is  a  violent  stream  in  freshets,  bringing 
down  large  quantities  of  gravel  and  sand.  It  lies  too 
high  to  pass  under  the  canal,  and  must  therefore  be 
crossed  by  making  a  dam  high  enough  to  raise  the  wa- 
ter to  the  level.  The  superfluous  waters  of  this  stream 
can  be  discharged  from  the  canal  by  suitable  waste 
gates.     Expense, 

Fot  excavation  of  24,360  c.  y.  at  15  cts.  p,654 
dam  and  waste  gates,  3,550 

1  culvert,  100 

^7,304 

.  Mile  55th,  Passes  generally  along  the  foot  of  a  ridge 
of  lime  stone,  good  for  building.  The  Canajoharry 
creek  crosses  in  this  mile,  on  a  bed  8i  feet  below  the 
level,  and  may  be  sunk  down  to  14  feet  below  the  level, 
by  clearing  out  the  stream  for  1 5  chains  below  the  line. 


(    175    ) 

This  is  a  mad  stream,  sometimes  overflowing  its  banks, 
in  consequence  of  being  obstructed  by  ice  lodged  on 
the  island  lying  10  chains  below  the  line.  Over  this 
stream,which  is  1  chain  60  links  wide  between  its  banks, 
there  must  be  an  aqueduct,  and  an  embankment  8  ch. 
long,  and  from  1|^  to  Sf  feet  high.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  rock  and  earth,  22,800  cubic  yards, 
at  40  cents,  A 120 

embankment  of  4,100  c.  y.  at  20  cts.      820 
aqueduct  and  deepening  the  creek,  10,000 

g  19,940 

Mile  56ih,  Runs  along  at  the  foot  of  a  limestone  hill, 
over  land  consisting  of  sand,  gravel,  and  some  stone. — 
Expense, 
For  excavation  of  25,350  c.  y.  at  25  cts.  ^6,337 

Mile  51th^  Passes  for  45  chains  along  a  side  hill,  of 
which  20  chains  are  very  steep.  The  earth  is  clay  and 
gravel.  Here  will  be  required,  on  both  sides  of  the 
canal,  a  dry  stone  wall,  one  to  keep  the  hill  from  slip- 
ping into  the  canal,  and  the  other  to  support  the  north 
bank,  and  protect  it  against  the  Mohawk.  One  culvert 
will  be  necessary  to  pass  a  stream  which  lies  5|-  feet 
below  the  level.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  30,270  c.  y.  at  25  c.  $7,567 
stone  wall,  3,200 

1  culvert,  500 

$11,267 

Mile  5Sth,  Passes  generally  over  ground  descending 
gently  to  the  north,  and  consisting  of  gravel  and  sand, 
with  considerable  quantities  of  stone  in  some  places. — 
The  deep  cutting  may  be  avoided  by  bending  the  line 
to  the  north.  The  Plattikill  crosses  the  line  of  this 
mile,  and  is  a  mad  stream,  1  ch.  60  links  wide  within  its 
banks.  It  brings  down  in  the  spring  of  the  year  flood 
wood  and  gravel.  There  is  a  saw  mill  on  it  4  chains 
above  the  line.  This  stream  may  be  passed  by  a  dam 
with  suitable  waste  gates,  without  injuring  the  mill  site. 
Expense, 
For  embankment  of  4,280  c  y.  at  28  c.  ^850 

excavation  of  23,100  c.  y.  at  15  cts.  3,465 


(    176    ) 

dam  and  gates,  8,250 

1  culvert,   •  100 

^12,671 

Mile  69th,  Passes  over  land  descending  gradually  to 
the  north,  and  which  has,  in  some  places,  gravel  and 
stone.     Expense, 
For  embankment  of  U,256  c.  y.  at  20  c.  ;^2,851 

excavation  of  20,460  do.  at  18  do.  3,b82 

1  culvert,  200 

,^6,733 

Mile  60th,  Passes  for  50  chains,  on  a  strip  of  land 
about  one  chain  wide,  at  the  foot  of  a  precipitous  and 
rocky  hill,  called  the  Nose.  The  place  of  elevated 
ground,  between  the  hill  and  the  river,  appears  to  have 
been  formed  by  the  successive  falling  of  fragments 
from  the  precipice.  Here  it  will  be  necessary  to  erect 
a  stone  wall  30  chains  long: — 20  chains  of  this  mile  pass 
along  a  steep  side-hill,  and  near  the  edge  of  a  swamp. 
The  soil  is  a  gravelly  loam,  and  some  embankment  will 
be  necessary.  Expense, 
For  stone  wall  and  embankment  to  pass  the 
Nose,  $7,250 

excavating  rock  and  earth,  1 5,550  c. 

yards,  at  20  cts.  3,110 

1  culvert,  200 

iS  10,560 

Mile  6lst,  Generally  runs  winding  round  the  foot 
of  a  stony  ridge,  to  near  the  end  of  the  mile,  along 
the  edge  of  a  swamp,  The  earth  consists  of  gravel, 
sand,  and  stone,  difficult  to  excavate.  At  a  place  called 
the  Little  Nose,  deep  cutting  will  be  required,  through 
granite  rock,  for  a  stretch  of  8  chains,  and  from  two  to 
19  feet  deep.  An  embankment  of  40  chains  long,  and 
from  2  to  7  feet  high,  will  be  necessary  near  the  begin- 
ning of  the  mile  ;  and  a  small  stream  6f  feet  below 
the  level  will  require  a  culvert.  Expense, 
For  embankment,  culvert,  and  stone  wall,  to  pass  Little 
Nose,  $4,500 

excavating  earth  of  22,500  c.  yds. 

at  20  cents,  4,500 

excavating  rock  at  Little  Nose, 


(    177     ) 

12,1{48  cubic  yards,at  75  cts.  9,636 

g  J  8,636 

Mile  62c?,  is  partly  occupied  by  the  Little  Nose  de- 
scribed in  the  last  mile.  The  greatest  part  of  this  dis- 
tance the  line  runs  over  fine  bottom  land,  near  the  edge 
of  hard  land  on  a  ridge.  But  here  passes  the  Wassen- 
haw  creek,  which  is  twenty  links  wide,  and  where  an 
embankment  13  chains  long,  and  from  7  to  9  feet  high, 
and  a  stone  wall  and  dam,  will  be  necessary.  Expense, 
For  stone  wall  and  dam,  $5,690 

Excavation  of  13,150  c.  y.  at  12^  c.        1,643 
embankment  of  14,580  c.  y.  at  20  cts.      2,916 

Igi  10,249 

Mile  63c?,  Runs  over  land  descending  gently  to  the 
north,  and  in  some  places  wet  and  stony,  but  not  diffi- 
cult to  excavate.     Expense, 

For  excavation  of  25,160  cubic  yards,  at  15  cts.  $3,774 
Mile  64/A,  Passes,  for  the  first  20  chains,  over  bottom 
lands,  where  an  embankment  16  chains  long  will  be 
wanted,  of  from  1  to  8  feet  high.  Here  crosses  Prin- 
tup's  creek,  which  now  runs  in  a  channel  30  links  wide, 
and  9f  feet  below  the  level,  but  which  has  uniformly 
scooped  out  a  channel,  now  dry  and  abandoned,  to  the 
depth  of  8f  feet  below  the  leveL  The  deep  cutting 
cannot  be  avoided.  It  consists  of  gravel  and  loose 
stone.     Expense, 

For    excavation   of  34,270   cubic  yards,  at  15   cents, 

^5,140 
embankment  of  1 1 ,264  do.  at  20  do.  2,252 
aqueduct  over  the  creek,  4,000 

1  culvert,  250 

-^11,642 

Mile  65th,  Runs  along  and  at  the  foot  of  a  steep  side 
hill  of  gravelly  loam,  except  1 6  chains,  which  consists 
of  lime-stone,  of  which  a  small  part,  where  a  ridge  puts 
down  to  the  river,  will  have  to  be  excavated.  West 
of  this  ridge,  an  embankment  16  chains  long,  and  from 
4  to  7i  feet  high,  will  be  required  on  the  north  side 
of  the  canal.  The  stone  here  is  good  for  building,  and 
easily  obtained.    Expense, 

23 


(     178    ) 

For  excavation  of  22,300  c.  j.  at  20  cts.  ^4,460 

excavation  of  rock,  1,600 

embankment  of  9,800  c.  y.  at  20  cts.      1,960 

7-^8,020 

Mile  Q6th,  Runs  on  the  margin  of  a  steep  side  hill, 
near  the  edge  of  the  flat.  The  hill  is  mostly  loose 
slate  and  gravel,  mixed  in  places  with  other  stone. 
Two  small  runs  of  water  cross  the  line.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  31,500  c.  y.  at  18  cts.    ^5,670 

3  culverts,  300 

^.0,970 

Mile  67th,  Runs  over  land  which  resembles  the  last, 
except  that  there  is  a  greater  proportion  of  sand,  loam, 
and  gravel,  making  it  easier  to  excavate.     Expense, 
For  excavation  of  35,150  c.  y.  at  15  cts.    ^5,272 

1  culvert,  200 

— p,472 

Mile  68th,  Runs  over  land  like  the  last.  Expense, 
For  excavation  of  35,150  c.  y.  at  15  cts.     ^5,472 

Mile  69 fh,  Rune  over  land  like  the  last.     Expense, 
For  excavation  of  35,150  c,  y.  at  15  c.     ^5,472 

1  culvert,  200 

. ^5,672 

Mile  70th,  Passes,  for  the  most  part,  along  and  at  the 
foot  of  a  steep  side  hill.  Here  two  creeks  cross  the 
line,  Aurey's  kill,  and  Ishes'  kill,  over  the  first  of  which 
an  embankment  will  be  necessary  of  1 6  chains  in  length, 
and  from  8  to  14  feet  high:  over  the  other  is  required 
another  embankment  14  chains  long,  and  from  2  to J3-L 
feet  high.  The  north  bank  of  the  canal  between  these 
creeks  must  be  supported  by  a  stone  wall.  The  deep 
cutting  may  be  avoided  by  bending  to  the  north.  Ex- 
pense, 

For  embankment  of  50,940  c.  y.  at  20  c.  ^10,188 
stone  wall,  4,960 

2  aqueducts,  10,000 
excavation  of  13,200  c.  y.  at  12^  c.     1,650 

^126,798 

Mile  7\st,  and  27  chains.  This  distance  runs  along 
^nd  at  the  foot  of  a  steep  hill,  of  which  the  earth  is 
gravel,  sand,  and  clay,  easy  to  excavate.     Expense, 


(     179     ) 

For  excavation  of  39,200  c.  y.  at  12^  c.  gi4,900 

The  aggregate  amount  of  all  the  foregoing 

items,  is  ^718,012 

The  details  of  the  line  explored  by  Mr.  Broadhead 
terminate  on  the  west  side  of  the  Schoharie  creek,  71 
miles  and  27  chains  from  Rome.  In  the  course  of  this 
distance,  the  line  of  the  canal  falls  precisely  '  32.85 
feet.  To  accommodate  this  fall,  16  locks  are  placed  at 
various  distances,  pointed  out  on  the  map,  where  the 
ground  is  favourable,  and  the  materials  for  making  them 
easily  to  be  obtained.  The  expense  of  lockage  is  esti- 
mated at  ^1,250  per  foot  lift,  $166,062  .00 

At  the  Little  Falls,  and  several  short  distances  in  the 
highest  embankments,  and  where  the  line  passes  over 
small  round  stone,  puddling  will  probably  be  necessa- 
ry; but  the  route,  in  general,  lies  over  land  in  which 
there  is  no  danger  of  leakage.  To  cover  the  expenses 
of  this  item,  an  allowance  is  made  of  $20,000 

The  quantity  of  water  which  may  be  introduced  into 
the  canal,  on  this  section,  is  such,  as  to  leave  no  solici- 
tude on  that  subject*  And  no  calculation  of  the  ex- 
pense of  feeders  from  the  Mohawk  is  made,  because, 
at  several  places  were  dams  and  walls  are  to  be  erect- 
ed against  that  river,  its  waters  may  be  admitted  into 
the  canal,  without  additional  expense. 

There  are  required  on  the  route  between  Rome  and 
the  Schoharie  creek,  45  bridges,  at  J500,   ^22,500. 

Allow  for  210  bridges  to  accommodate 
farms,  at  $200  42,000 


And  the  amount  is  $970,574  50 

On  which  add  5  per  cent.  48,528  50 

And  for  engineer,  superintendence,  &;c. 
at  the  rate  of  $1,000  per  mile,  71,500 

The  aggregate  of  all  expenses  on  this  )  ^,  ^^^  ^^^ 
section,  is  ^  $i,0JiJ,W5 

It  may  here  be  remarked,  as  a  feature  of  the  country 
traversed  by  this  canal,  not  less  favourable  than  the 


(    180    ) 

evenness  of  its  surface,  that,  from  three  miles  above 
the  Little  Falls  of  the  Mohawk,  westward  for  240 
miles,  the  route  will  not  require  the  excavation  of  a 
single  yard  of  any  kind  of  rock. 

Mr.Brodhead's  level  approaches  the  Schoharie  creek, 
on  its  west  side,  at  an  elevation  of  about  22  feet  above 
its  surface.  There  are  two  modes  of  crossing  this  creek, 
either  of  which  might  be  adopted.  A  dam  may  be 
made  across  the  creek  at  A,  (on  Mr.  Brodhead's  map) 
which  shall  raise  the  water  10  feet,  when  the  canal  may 
be  let  down,  by  a  lock,  into  the  pond,  which  this  dam 
will  create,  and  a  floating  bridge  may  be  stretched 
across  it  for  a  towing  path.  But  is  believed,  from 
the  examinations  and  levels  heretofore  made  between 
this  creek  and  the  Hudson  river,  that  it  would  be  the 
better  mode  to  cross  the  creek  on  the  aqueduct  bridge, 
in  order  to  keep  up  the  line  of  the  level,  with  a  view  of 
passing  the  more  easily  two  slaty  ridges  four  or  five 
miles  below  Schenectady,  near  Alexander's  mills. — ► 
Should  this  plan  be  adopted,  the  bed  of  the  creek, 
which  is  about  400  feet  wide,  should  be  increased  to  a 
width  of  700  feet,  so  as  to  give  the  water  an  unobstruct- 
ed passage  under  the  aqueduct.  This  aqueduct  may 
be  composed  of  wood,  supported  by  two  abutments  and 
sixteen  piers  of  stone,  each  of  which  piers  would  occu- 
py about  10  feet  of  the  width  of  the  stream. 

The  commissioners  have  not  been  able  to  procure  a 
level  and  survey  to  be  made  from  the  Schoharie  creek 
to  the  Hudson.  They  had  in  their  employ,  four  engi- 
neers on  other  parts  of  the  line  of  the  western  canal,  and 
one  on  the  northern,  neither  of  whom  had  time  to  level 
and  survey  that  part  of  the  line  above-mentioned ;  nor 
could  they  find  a  sixth  engineer,  who  would  undertake 
to  finish  the  Mohawk  route.  But  although  they  are 
prevented  from  submitting  to  the  Legislature  a  report 
of  this  part  of  the  line,  with  all  that  minuteness  of  de- 
tail which  is  exhibited  in  relation  to  other  parts,  yet 
they  possess  information,  which,  for  all  general  pur- 
poses, is  equally  satisfactory.  This  part  of  the  line  was 
formerly  examined  by  Mr.   Weston,  an  English  engi- 


(   181    ) 

fleer,  and  pronounced  to  be  practicable  without  a  very 
serious  expense.  It  has  also  been  heretofore  twice  le- 
velled and  surveyed,  by  Mr.  Benjamin  Wright,  in  va- 
rious ways,  with  the  same  result.  The  commissioners, 
therefore,  confidently  state,  that  the  navigation  may  be 
continued  from  the  Schoharie  creek  to  the  Hudson  by 
a  canal  along  the  valley  of  the  Mohawk. 

From  the  examinations  of  Mr.  Weston  and  Mr. 
Wright,  above-mentioned,  as  well  as  from  the  personal 
knowledge  of  the  commissioners,  it  is  believed  that  the 
canal,  from  the  aqueduct  last  mentioned,  ought  to  be 
continued  down  along  the  south  side  of  the  Mohawk  to 
Lansing's  mills,  which  are  situated  a  short  distance 
above  the  Cohoes.  From  this  point  the  canal  may  leave 
the  Mohawk,  and  be  directed  towards  the  Hudson, 
which  it  will  approach  opposite  to  the  village  of  Lan- 
singburgh,  and  it  may  thence  be  continued  along  the 
valley  of  the  Hudson,  at  a  proper  distance  from  its  mar- 
gin, until  it  reaches  the  city  of  Albany,  where  it  is  to 
be  connected  with  the  river. 

This  location  of  the  canal  will  afford  to  the  village  of 
Waterford  an  opportunity  of  enjoying  its  benefits,  by 
the  construction  of  a  side  cut,  to  be  connected  with  the 
main  canal  above  the  Cohoes,  The  village  of  Lansing- 
burgh  and  the  city  of  Troy,  may  also,  by  lateral  canals 
participate  in  its  advantages;  and  thus,  the  cities  of  Al- 
bany and  Troy,  and  the  villages  of  Lansinburgh  and 
Waterford,  may  be  placed  on  grounds  of  fair  competi- 
tion, not  less  advantageous  to  the  growth  of  those  cities 
and  villages,  than  beneficial  to  the  general  interests  of 
trade,  and  the  prosperity  of  the  state. 

This  route,  from  Schoharie  creek  to  the  city  of  Al- 
bany, will  comprehend  a  distance  of  42  miles.  It  is 
proposed  to  give  the  canal  on  this  route  a  fall  of  one 
inch  in  a  mile.  The  whole  descent  in  this  route  will 
be  286  feet. 

The  expense,  by  a  liberal  calculation,  may  be  esti- 
mated as  follows : 
For  283  feet  lockage,  at  ^1,250,  $353,750 

3  aqueducts  over  small  streams,  at  $5,000     15,000 


(    182    ) 

1  road  aqueduct,  ,       3,000 

aqueduct  over  Schoharie  ereek,  30,000 

24  bridges,  at  $500,  "  12,000 

25  culverts,  at  $200,  5,000 
excavation,  embankment,  puddling,  tow- 
ing path,   and  grubbing   42  miles,  at 

^14,000,  588,00 

For  contingencies  add  5  per  cent,  ;^  50,337 
engineers,  superintendence,  and  expenses 

connected  therewith,  49,000 


The  aggregate  amount  is,  g  1 , 1 06,087 


There  are  certain  items  of  expense  applicable  to  all 
the  sections  of  the  canal,  and  not  heretofore  enume- 
rated, of  which  the  amount  cannot  be  very  precisely 
calculated.  The  items  alluded  to,  here  follow,  with 
such  estimates  as,  it  is  believed,  will  not  be  found  un- 
reasonable, to  wit : 

For  utensils,  such  as  carts,  ploughs,  scrapers,  wheel- 
barrows, iron  bars,  pick  axes,  shovels, 
chains,  &c.  ^40,000 

temporary  workshops  for  carpenters, 

smiths,  stonecutters,  and  for  lime  houses,  5,000 
dwellinghouses  for  clerks  and  lock-keepers,  10,000 
barracks  for  workmen,  20,000 


Makingthe  aggregate  of  these  general  expenses,  $75,000 

Recapitulation  of  Expenses. 
From  Lake  Erie  to  a  point  1 1  miles  up  the 

Tonnewanta,  $205,877 

Tonnewanta  to  the  Seneca  river,  1,550,985 

Seneca  river  to  Rome,  853,186 

Rome  to  the  Schoharie  creek,  1,090^603 

Schoharie  creek  to  Albany,  1,106,087 

Add  for  general  expenses,  75,000 

In  the  aggregate,  $4,881,738 


(    183    ) 

But  if  the  route  south  of  the  mountain 
ridge,  in  the  country  west  of  the  Genesee 
river,  is  adopted,  in  preference  to  the  north- 
ern  route,  then  deducting  ;^300,925 

The  aggregate  of  expense  will  be  ^4,571,813 

Of  Distances. 

Miles.         Chains.   1 
From  Erie  to  the  point  up  the  Tonne- 
wanta, 

Tonnewanta  to  Seneca  river, 
Seneca  river  to  Rome, 
Rome  to  Schoharie  creek, 
Schoharie  creek  to  Albany, 

The  aggregate  distance  is 

Of  Rise  and  Fall 

From  Lake  Erie  to  Seneca  river,  a  fall 

of  194  ft.  by  25  locks, 

Seneca  river  to  Rome,  a  rise  of  48,50         6 
Rome  to  Schoharie  creek,  a  fall 

of  132.85       16 

Schoharie  creek  to  Albany,  a 

fall  of  286  30 


27 

136 

21 

77 

71 

27 

42 

353 

m 

The  aggregate  of  rise  and  fall, 

in  feet,  is  661.35  by  77  locks. 

Lake  Erie  is  564.85  feet  higher  than  the  Hudson,  and 
145ifeet  higher  than  Rome. 

The  average  expense,  per  mile,  of  this  canal,  accord- 
ing to  the  foregoing  estimates,  taking  the  north  route 
beyond  the  Genesee  river,  is  a  little  more  than  $13,800 

With  respect  to  that  part  of  their  duty,  whichre- 
lates  to  loans  on  the  credit  of  the  state,  the  commis- 
sioners have  to  state,  that  at  an  early  day  they  address- 
ed a  letter  on  this  subject  to  William  Bayard,  of  the 
City  of  New-York,  and  that  he  has  taken  measures  to 
ascertain  whether  a  loan  can  be  procured  in  Europe, 


(    184    ) 

but  hasnotyet  had  time  to  learn  whether  his  measures 
have  been  successful.  The  Commissioners  entertain  no 
doubt  but  that  as  much  money  can  be  obtained  in  this 
country,  as  may  be  required  for  the  canal,  on  the  cred- 
it of  the  state,  at  an  interest  of  6  per  cent,  by  the  crea- 
tion of  a  funded  debt,  and  that  ample  funds  may  be 
appropriated  for  the  payment  of  the  interest,  and  the 
gradual  extinguishment  of  the  debt  without  the  impo- 
sition of  taxes. 

The  commissioners  have  also  attended  to  that  requi- 
sition of  the  act  respecting  subscriptions  and  donations. 
They  have  applied  to  the  United  States,  and  to  the 
states  of  Vermont,  Kentucky,  and  Ohio,  as  having  a 
common  interest  with  New- York  in  the  contemplated 
canals,  and  where  they  feel  persuaded  that  a  favourable 
disposition  exists.  The  letter  to  the  members  of  Con- 
gress from  this  state  will  show  the  view  which  the  Com- 
missioners have  taken  of  the  fund  contemplated  by 
Congress  for  internal  improvements.  But  if  no  extra- 
neous aid  should  be  afforded,  it  will  at  all  times  be  in 
the  power  of  this  state  to  levy  high  transit  duties  on  the 
articles  transported  to  and  from  those  states  and  the 
territories  of  the  United  States,  and  thereby  secure, 
eventually,  a  greater  fund  than  can  possibly  arise  from 
any  present  contributions  from  those  quarters.  It  is 
to  be  hoped,  however,  that  the  necessity  of  this  mea- 
sure may  be  superseded  by  a  cordial  and  liberal  co- 
operation. But  it  cannot  reasonably  be  expected,  that 
the  efforts  of  one  state  are  solely  and  gratuitously  to 
produce  an  expensive  andsutpendous  work,intimately 
identified  with  the  interests  of  many,  and  directly 
or  indirectly  connected  with  the  prosperity  of  all. 

The  commissioners  appointed  agents  to  receive  sub- 
scriptions in  this  state,  and  they  also  prepared  and  dis- 
tributed forms  of  cessions  of  land  and  donations  in  mo- 
ney :  one  form  relates  to  gratuitous  grants  of  land  for  the 
ground  through  which  the  canal  will  pass,  and  the  other 
is  a  contribution  to  the  fund  for  making  it.  Agents 
have  also  been  appointed  in  Vermont  and  Ohio  for  the 
same  purpose. 


(    185  ) 

There  is  reason  to  believe,  from  the  cessions  alreadj 
made,  and  the  favourable  dispositions  manifested,  on 
this  occasion,  thatthe  land  occupied  by  the  canal  will  ge- 
nerally speaking,  be  granted  gratuitously.  Some  dona- 
tions in  land  have  been  made,  and  more  are  expected. 
And  many  circumstances  concur  in  promising  that  a 
munificent  spirit  will  be  evinced  as  soon  as  the  state  un- 
dertakes this  great  project. 

The  Commissioners  have  thus,  agreeably  to  the  du- 
ties required  of  them,  confined  themselves  to  a  plain 
statement  of  facts,  and  it  is  not  their  intention  to  devi- 
ate from  the  prescribed  course.  Their  investigations 
have  shown  the  physical  facility  of  this  great  internal 
communication,  and  a  little  attention  to  the  resources 
of  the  state  will  demonstrate  its  financial  practicability. 
And  they  may  be  permitted  to  remark,  that  unless  it  is 
established  the  greater  part  of  the  trade,  which  does 
not  descend  the  Mississippi,  from  all  those  vast  and  fer- 
tile regions  west  of  the  Seneca  lake,  will  be  lost  to  the 
United  States. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 
DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
S.  VAN  RENSSELAER, 
SAMUEL  YOUNG, 
MYRON  HOLLEY, 

Albany^  February  15,  1817. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

Mr.  Ellicott,  one  of  the  Commissioners,  not  being 
able  to  attend  the  meeting  of  the  board,  was  not  con- 
sulted on  the  details  of  this  Report ;  but  he  approves 
its  general  principles. 

The  engineer  employed  on  the  northern  canal,  not 
having  yet  completed  his  returns,  the  Commissioners 
will  make  it  the  subject  of  another  communication, 
with  which  they  will  connect  their  application  to  Con- 
gress and  to  some  of  the  states — their  correspondence—? 
and  various  other  documents,  connected  with  their  du- 
ties, not  herewith  presented. 

2a 


186 


Report  of  the  Board  of  Commissioners,  on  the  JYorthern 
or  Champlain  Canal. 

The  advantages  which  will  result  from  the  con- 
nexion of  Lake  Erie  with  the  navigable  waters  of  the 
Hudson  by  means  of  a  canal,  have  been  so  frequently 
elucidated,  and  are  indeed  so  obvious  to  every  one  who 
possesses  a  correct  geographical  knowledge  of  the  west, 
that  it  has  been  deemed  unnecessary  to  enumerate  them. 
But,  presuming  that  the  benefits  to  be  derived  from  a 
similar  communication  with  Lake  Champlain,  are  not 
fully  understood,  or  duly  appreciated,  the  commission- 
ers ask  the  indulgence  of  briefly  pointing  out  a  few  of 
the  most  prominent  of  these  benefits. 

That  part  of  this  state  which  is  contiguous  to  Lakes 
George  and  Champlain,  abounds  in  wood,  timber, masts, 
spars,  and  lumber  of  all  kinds,  which,  transported  by  the 
Northern  Canal,  would  find  a  profitable  sale  along  the 
Hudson  and  in  the  City  of  New- York,  instead  of  being 
driven,  as  much  of  those  articles  have  heretofore  been, 
to  a  precarious  market,  by  a  long  and  hazardous  navi- 
gation to  Quebec. 

Some  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  immense  quantity  of 
lumber  which  would  be  conveyed  on  the  contemplated 
canal,  from  the  following  statement,  made  on  the  best 
authority,  and  which  embraces  only  that  small  section  of 
the  northern  part  of  this  state,  from  whence  the  trans- 
portation is  carried  on  to  the  City  of  New-York,  or  to 
intermediate  markets. 

Within  that  tract  of  country,  embracing  the  borders 
of  Lake  George,  and  the  timber  land  north  and  west  of 
the  great  falls  in  Luzerne,  there  are  annually  made,  and 
transported  to  the  south,  two  millions  of  boards  and 
plank :  one  million  feet  of  square  timber,  consisting  of 
oak,  white  and  yellow  pine,  beside  dock  logs  scantling 
and  other  timber  to  a  great  amount. 

A  considerable  portion  of  the  northern  part  of  this 
state  is  rough  and  mountainous,  anij  in  a  great  mea- 
sure, unfit  for  agricultural  improvements.  These  broken 


(    187    ) 

tracts  are  covered  with  native  forests,  which,  by  the 
contemplated  canal,  would  furnish  vast  supplies  of  wood 
and  lumber  for  many  years ;  and  thus  the  great  and  in- 
creasing population  which  occupies  the  margin  of  the 
Hudson,  would  be  supplied  with  boards,  plank,  timber, 
fencing  materials,  and  even  fuel,  with  less  expense,  than 
from  any  other  quarter  ;  while,  at  the  same  time,  the 
lands  to  the  north,  considerable  tracts  of  which  belong 
to  the  people  of  this  state,  would  be  greatly  increased 
in  value. 

The  mountains  in  the  vicinity  of  Lakes  George  and 
Champlain,  produce  a  variety  of  minerals,  among  which 
are  found,  in  inexhaustible  quantities,  the  richest  of 
iron  ores.  Several  forges  are  in  operation  in  the  coun- 
ties of  Washington,  Warren,  Essex,  and  Clinton,  the 
number  of  which  may  be  indefinitely  increased :  and 
the  iron  which  they  produce  is  very  little,  if  at  all,  infe- 
rior in  quality  to  the  best  iron  manufactured  in  the 
United  States :  nor  can  it  be  doubted,  that,  after  the 
completion  of  the  contemplated  canals,  the  middle  and 
western  part  of  this  state  would  be  furnished  with 
this  necessary  article  on  more  advantageous  terms  than 
it  can  at  present  be  procured. 

The  inhabitants  of  a  large  tract  of  country  on  both 
sides  of  Lake  champlain,  embracing  a  considerable 
j>ortion  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  would  find,  by  the 
northern  canal,  a  permanent  market  in  the  City  of  New- 
York,  or  at  intermediate  places,  for  their  pot  and  pearl 
ashes,  and  also  for  all  their  surplus  agricultural  pro- 
ductions, from  whence  they  would  also  be  cheaply 
supplied  with  all  the  necessary  articles  of  forcing 
growth. 

The  iron  of  the  northern  part  of  this  slate,  which  at 
present  is  unwrought  in  the  mine,  and  the  fiue  marble  of 
Vermont,  which  now  lies  useless  in  the  quarry,  would 
be  converted  to  useful  and  ornamental  purposes  in  the 
west,  in  exchange  for  salt  and  gypsum ;  and  thus  the 
large  sums  which  are  annually  sent  abroad  for  the  pur- 
chase of  iron,  of  salt,  and  of  gypsum,  would  be  retained 
amoPiic  our  citizens,  and  added  to  the  permanent  wealth 
of  the  state. 


In  short  the  connexion  of  Lake  Champlain,  with  the 
Hudson,  by  means  of  a  canal,  would  greatly  enhance 
the  value  of  the  northern  lands;  it  would  save  vast  sums 
in  the  price  of  transportation;  it  would  open  new  and 
increasing  sources  of  wealth ;  it  would  divert  from  the 
province  of  Lower  Canada,  and  turn  to  the  south,  the 
profits  of  the  trade  of  Lake  Champlain;  and,  by  impart- 
ing activity  and  enterprise  to  agricultural,  commercial, 
and  mechanical  pursuits,  it  would  add  to  our  industry 
and  resources,  and  thereby  augment  the  substantial 
wealth  and  prosperity  of  the  state 

The  examination  and  levels  for  this  canal,  have 
been  made  under  the  direction  of  the  commissioners, 
by  Col.  Lewis  Garin,  and  the  line  for  the  same  has 
been  marked  out  upon  the  maps  herewith  presented. 
There  are  two  places  of  departure  from  the  Hudson, 
in  order  to  connect  that  river  with  Lake  Champlain, 
each  of  which  affords  a  very  favourable  route,  in  point 
of  soil,  to  be  excavated,  and  of  materials  for  the  arti- 
ficial works.  One  of  these  routes  by  commencing  at 
the  mouth  of  Fort  Edward  creek,  and  pursuing  the 
valley  of  that  creek  to  the  summit  level,  and  then  fol- 
lowing the  ravine  of  Wood-creek,  win  reach  Whitehall, 
in  the  distance  of  twenty-two  miles.  This  route  was  for- 
merly deemed  most  eligible  by  a  board  of  commission- 
ers, composed  of  General  Schuyler  and  others.  It  is, 
however,  supposed  by  the  engineer,  that  the  other  route 
may  be  preferable,  which  commences  about  six  miles 
further  down  the  river,  near  the  mouth  of  Moses's  kill, 
and  which  by  the  natural  channel  of  this  kill,  and  of 
Dead-creek,  joined  to  a  short  length  of  artificial  canal, 
forms  the  summit  level  from  whence  it  proceeds — part- 
ly by  the  natural  channel  of  Wood-creek,  and  partly 
by  artificial  cuts,  which  greatly  shorten  the  distance- 
to  Whitehall.  The  length  of  this  route,  is  twenty-eight 
miles,  and  it  passes  over  a  soil,  which  is,  in  general,  re- 
markably favourable,  consisting  principally  of  vegeta- 
ble mould,  loam  and  clay.  At  the  northern  termina-. 
tion  of  the  canal,  a  few  yards  of  limestone  excavation 
will  be  necessary ;  this,  however,  is  not  deemed  an  un- 


(      189    ) 

favourable  circumstance,  as  the  stone  are  of  such  a 
quahtj  as  will  be  useful  in  the  construction  of  locks, 
and  it  may  be  remarked  that  the  materials  for  the  con- 
struction of  the  locks  between  Lake  Champlain  and 
the  Hudson  can  be  procured  with  little  difficulty. 

Between  the  Hudson  and  Lake  Champlain,  nine  locks 
will  be  necessary,  viz.  three  at  the  Hudson,  of  7,779  feet 
lift  each,  by  which  the  summit-level  will  be  attained,  and 
by  a  deep  cutting  the  greatest  depth  of  which  will  be 
12,465  feet,  and  the  length  of  which,  is  about  two  miles ; 
the  summit-level  will  be  extended  fifteen  miles,  and  will 
terminate  about  one  mile  south  of  Fort  Ann.  At  this 
place  two  locks  will  be  necessary  of  6,217  feet  lift  each. 
Between  this  point  and  Whitehall,  two  locks,  the  first  of 
8,223  feet  lift,  and  the  next  of  9,243  feet  lift,  are  to  be 
made.  At  Whitehall,  the  canal  is  to  be  connected  with 
Lake  Champlain  by  two  locks  of  8,550  feet  lift  each. — 
About  fifteen  miles  of  this  route  will  need  no  excavation, 
as  the  canal  for  that  distance,  will  occupy  the  natural 
channels  of  Moses'  kill.  Dead  creek  and  Wood  creek. 
In  order  to  turn  off  as  much  as  possible  the  superfluous 
waters  of  freshets,  and  to  ensure  at  all  times  a  sufficiency 
of  water  on  the  summit-level  it  is  proposed  to  erect  a 
dam  across  Half-way  brook  of  eighteen  feet  in  height, 
half  a  mile  above  the  mouth  of  said  brook,  and  by 
a  natural  ravine,  leading  to  the  south,  to  direct  so  much 
of  the  water  of  said  brook,  to  the  summit  level,  and 
from  thence  by  several  waste-wiers  into  the  Hudson, 
as  may  be  necessary  for  the  convenience  of  tt^e  canal. 

The  water  in  the  canal,  is  not  to  be  less  than  thirty 
feet  wide  at  the  surface,  twenty  feet  at  the  bottom,  and 
three  feet  deep,  and  the  locks  to  be  seventy-five  feet 
long  and  ten  feet  wide  in  the  clear. 

By  the  mode  of  calculation  heretofore  adopted  by  the 
commissioners,  the  whole  expense  between  Lake  Cham- 
plain and  the  Hudson,  at  the  mouth  of  Moses'  kill,  will 
not  exceed  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars. 

From  the  mouth  of  Moses'  kill,  it  is  proposed  to  im- 
prove the  channel  of  the  Hudson,  for  the  purposes  of  na- 
vigation as  far  south  as  the  village  of  Stillwater  at  the — 


(     190     ) 

head  of  Stillwater  falls.  This  may  be  effected  in  the 
following  manner.  By  erecting  a  dam  of  three  feet  in 
height  across  the  Hudson,  at  the  head  of  fort  Miller  falls, 
the  river  above  as  far  as  fort  Edward,  would  at  all  times 
afford  a  sufficiency  of  water  for  boats  drawing  three  feet. 
To  overcome  the  descent  of  fort  Miller  falls,  a  side  cut 
or  artificial  canal  of  about  one  mile  in  length,  and  with 
two  locks  of  10,320  feet  lift  each,  will  be  necessary. — 
These  works, including  the  dam,  locks,  excavation,  tow- 
ing path,  and  all  other  expenses,  may  be  estimated  at 
fifty  thousand  dollars. 

Two  and  a  half  miles  below  the  south  end  of  this  ca- 
nal, at  the  head  of  Saratoga  falls,  a  dam  three  feet  in 
height,  is  to  be  made  across  the  river,  and  a  side  cut 
round  the  falls,  similar  to  the  above,  of  about  one  mile 
in  length,  with  two  locks,  of  6,198  feet  lift  each.  It  is 
believed  that  all  the  artificial  works  at  this  place  may  be 
constructed  for  thirty -five  thousand  dollars. 

Thirteen  miles  below  this  place,  at  the  head  of  Still- 
water falls,  another  dam  of  three  feet  in  height,  will  in 
like  manner  ensure  a  good  boat  navigation  up  to  the 
Saratoga  falls. 

The  cost  of  this  dam,  the  construction  of  a  towing- 
path,  with  several  bridges,  the  purchase  of  Schuyler's 
mill,  which  it  is  supposed  will  be  necessary,  together 
with  all  the  other  expenses  of  this  section,  are  estimated 
at  fifty  thousand  dollars. 

From  the  village  of  Stillwater  at  a  point  above  the 
dam  last  mentioned,  it  is  proposed  to  cut  an  artificiati 
canal  to  the  village  ot  Waterford,  where  it  is  to  be  con- 
nected with  the  Hudson.  This  canal  will  be  supplied 
with  water,  from  the  river  at  its  upper  end.  Its  length 
will  be  nearly  twelve  miles,  and  the  whole  descent,  is 
76,464  feet;  which  will  require  eight  locks.  The  ex- 
cavation of  this  canal  for  some  distance  near  the  upper 
end,  will  be  considerably  expensive,  asit  passes  through 
a  slate  rock  :  the  middle  and  lower  parts,  however,  are 
very  favourable. 

The  expenses  from  Stillwater  to  Waterford,  may  be 
^timated  as  follows  J 


(    191    ) 

76  feet  lockage  at  i^llOOO  per  foot,  76,000 

12  miles  of  excavation  and  towing-path  with 

bridges,  culverts,  and  other  necessarj  works, 

at  an  average  of  ^30,1)00  per  mile,  -  360,000 

Recapituiation  of  Expenses. 
From  Whitehall  to  the  Hudson,  -  -  $250,000 

Dam,  side  cut,  and  other  works  at  Fort  Miller 

falls,  -  -  -         -  -         -        50,000 

Do.  at  Saratoga  falls,         -  -  .  -  35,000 

To  Stillwater  including  dam,  &c.  .  -  50,000 

From  Stillwater^to  Waterford,  including  lockage,  436,000 

Add  for  contingencies,  engineers,  and  superin- 

tendance,  .  .  -  -  .  50,000 

Total,  $871,000 

Whether  the  canal  from  Lake  Champlain  enters  the 
Hudson  at  Fort  Edward  creek,  or  at  Moses'  kill,  is  not 
very  material  in  the  estimate  of  expense ;  and  the  com- 
missioners wish  to  be  explicitly  understood,  that  they 
consider  this  question  as  still  open,  and  as  one  which 
will  require  mature  deliberation.  It  is  ascertained  that 
both  routes  are  equally  practicable. 

The  termination  of  the  northern  canal,  in  the  Hud- 
son, at  Waterford,  will  afford  the  cities  of  Albany  and 
Troy,  and  the  villages  of  Lansingburgh  and  Water- 
ford, a  full  participation  of  its  benefits ;  and  its  ap- 
proximation to  the  great  western  canal,  will  open  the 
most  beneficial  channels  of  communication,  between 
every  great  section  of  the  country,  and  furnish  every 
facility,  for  promoting  the  activity  and  enlarging  the 
sphere  of  inland  trade,  which  constitutes  one  of  the 
principal  elements  of  national  opulence,  prosperity, 
and  greatness.  And  before  the  lapse  of  half  a  century, 
those  who  succeed  us  will  witness,  in  the  consolidation 
of  those  cities  and  villages  into  one  great  city,  a  union 
of  interests  and  sympathies,  which  will  totally  dissipate 
the  apprehensions  and  jealousies  that  may  now  exist. 
All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
S.VANRENSELLAER, 
MYRON  HOLLEY, 
SAMUEL  YOUNG. 
Mam.\  March  18,  J  81 7. 


APPLICATION    TO    CONGRESS. 

To  the  honourable  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives 
of  the  United  States  in  Congress^  the  representation  of  the 
Commissioners  of  the  State  of  Mew-York^  in  behalf  of 
the  said  State,  respectfully  showeth — 

That  the  Legislature  of  the  said  state,  in  April  last, 
passed  an  act  to  provide  for  the  improvement  of  their 
internal  navigation,  of  vt^hich  act  we  may  take  the  liber- 
ty of  transmitting  herewith  a  copy.  In  this,  it  will  be 
seen  that  a  board  of  commissioaers  is  constituted,  and 
that,  among  other  duties  enjoined  upon  them,  they  are 
required  to  make  application  to  the  government  of  the 
United  States,  for  cessions,  grants  or  donations  of  lands 
or  money,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  opening  a  com- 
munication, by  means  of  canals,  between  the  navigable 
waters  of  Hudson's  river  and  Lake  Erie,  and  the  said 
navigable  waters  and  Lake  Champlain.  To  fulfil  this 
requisition,  then,  is  the  object  of  this  address. 

Next  to  the  establishment  and  security  of  the  right  to 
self-government,  we  flatter  ourselves  that  no  subject  re- 
quiring legislative  interference,  can  be  found  more  in- 
teresting than  the  one  which  we  are  charged  to  lay  be- 
fore your  honourable  body.  And  we  venture  to  solicit 
your  favourable  consideration  of  it,  in  full  confidence 
that  an  enlightened  public  spirit  may  justly  give  to  it 
such  a  measure  of  patronage  as  cannot  fail  to  produce 
signal  benefits  to  the  nation. 

The  benefits  to  be  acquired  by  the  United  States, 
from  the  construction  of  these  canals,  will  most  obvious- 
ly and  immediately  affect  their  pecuniary  and  political 
interests.  iMore  remotely,  indeed,  they  will  exert  a  fa- 
vourable influence  upon  every  object  embraced  within 
the  scope  of  an  enlightened  and  paternal  policy.  If  we 
consider  the  extent  and  fertility  of  our  territory  north- 
west of  the  Ohio;  the  large  proportion  of  it,  which  yet 
remains  unsold ;  the  disposition  and  the  ability  which 


(     193     ) 

oiir  eastern  fellow-citizens  possess  to  purchase  and  im- 
prove it,  v/e  cannot  be  insensible  of  the  great  pecuniary 
advantage  which  would  result  from  opening  to  them  a 
safe,  easy,  and  economical  passage  into  that  territory. 
Every  dollar  saved  to  them,  in  the  expenses  of  re- 
moving thither,  would  operate  to  enhance  the  value  of 
the  public  lands,  and,  at  the  same  time,  to  hasten  their 
settlement:  and,  it  is  obvious,  that  a  canal  from  the 
Hudson  to  lake  Erie  would  save  a  very  large  portion  of 
these  expenses.  The  number  of  persons  to  be  affect- 
ed by  this  consideration,  cannot  be  accurately  stated. 
It  certainly  would  not  be  small.  We  are  well  assured, 
that  in  the  course  of  ofie  year,  since  the  war,  more  than 
twelve  thousand  new  settlers,  almost  exclusively  from 
the  east,  have  established  themselves  within  the  limits 
of  this  state  west  of  the  Genesee  river. 

Whatever  adds  to  the  value  of  all  that  land  produces, 
must  increase  the  value  of  land  itself  To  a  country, 
which  depends  upon  a  distant  market  for  the  sale  of  its 
surplus  productions,  it  is  of  great  importance  to  afford 
every  possible  facility  of  transportation ;  for  all  that  is 
taken  from  the  expense  of  transportation  is  added  to 
the  value  of  the  articles  transported :  and  by  cheapen- 
ing the  rate  of  carriage,  many  articles  are  rendered 
valuable,  which  would  otherwise  be  worthless. 

Moreover,  if  habit  or  the  necessary  accommodation 
of  life,  require  that  such  a  country  should  consume  fo- 
reign goods  to  the  amount  of  all  its  surplus  productions, 
it  is  evident  that  the  landholder  there  enjoys  a  twofold 
benefit  in  every  increased  facility  of  transportation. 
Perhaps  the  whole  of  the  country  between  the  great 
lakes,  the  Mississippi,  and  the  Ohio,(certainly  the  great- 
er part  of  it,)  would  derive  from  the  completion  of  our 
principal  canal  greater  advantages  for  distant  commu- 
nication than  any  country,  so  far  inland,  h^s  hitherto 
enjoyed,  and  incomparably  greater  than  that  country 
can  ever  derive  from  any  other  means.  Regarded,  then, 
merely  as  a  measure  of  pecuniary  wisdom,  we  trust 
your  honourable  body  will  make  such  an  appropriation 
in  favour  of  it  as  will  ensure  its  accomplishment. 

25 


(    194    ) 

But  considerations  of  a  political  nature  seem  to  us 
most  urgently  to  recommend*  the  construction  of  these 
canals.  The  great  influence  exercised  over  the  western 
Indians,  even  in  our  own  territory,  by  the  subjects  of  a 
foreign  government,  we  have  always  had  numerous  rea- 
sons to  wish  destroyed.  This  influence  depends,  mate- 
rially, upon  establishments  erected  for  the  promotion 
of  the  fur  trade.  Any  measure  that  would  open,  be- 
tween one  of  our  sea-ports  and  the  region  where  furs 
are  collected,  a  road  in  all  respects  preferable  to  any 
other,  besides  drawing  to  our  own  citizens  a  profitable 
commerce,  would  tend,  eventually,  to  the  subversion  of 
that  influence,  and,  in  the  mean  time,  oflfer  to  us  impor- 
tant facilities  for  controlling  it. 

The  trade  carried  on  between  our  country  and  the 
Canadian  provinces  is  already  considerable,  and  is  ra- 
pidly growing.  The  fruits  of  the  earth  from  the  south- 
ern shores  of  Erie  and  Ontario,  and  from  the  borders  of 
Champlain,  find  their  way  to  the  ports  of  our  northern 
neighbours  cheaper  than  they  can  to  any,  which  offers 
a  market,  of  our  own,  and  are  there  exchanged  for  the 
various  commodities  of  foreign  countries.  This  trade  is, 
indeed,  profitable  to  many  of  our  citizens  who  engage 
in  it,  but  it  is  much  more  so  to  the  British.  Subject  to 
their  control,  they  direct  it  to  the  advancement  of  all 
their  public  interests  :  and  it  is  no  mean  instrument  of 
that  advancement.  It  is  evidently  the  vital  spirit  of 
their  internal  navigation,  which  it  cannot  fail  to  exalt 
into  a  consequence  that  may  hereafter  greatly  affect  us. 
Would  not  the  prosecution  of  our  projects  to  complete 
effect,  result,  immediately,  in  giving  to  the  citizens  of 
the  United  States  the  entire  profits  of  this  trade,  and 
to  government,  all  the  security  and  inflnence  connected 
with  a  thipkjy  settled  frontier,  and  a  most  decided  su- 
periority of  shipping  on  the  lakes  ? 

Nothing  can  be  more  certain,  than  that  the  continu- 
ance of  our  union  is  essential  to  our  freedom.  The  means 
of  this  continuance  are  to  be  found  only  in  the  strength 
of  our  common  interests.  Whatever  extends  and  conso- 


(    195    ) 

lidates  these  interests,  then  must  be  of  distinguished  im- 
portance to  government:  and  can  any  thing  be  imagined 
more  efficaciously  conducive  to  these  objects,  than 
opening  to  distant  sections  of  our  country  the  means  of 
easy  and  profitable  intercourse  ?  Virtuous  and  enlight- 
ened men  among  us,  have  long  delighted  themselves 
with  looking  forward  to  the  period,  when  a  canal  com- 
munication between  the  Hudson  and  lake  Erie  would 
afford,  to  half  the  United  States,  more  ample  means  of 
promoting  every  social  interest,  than  have  heretofore, 
in  any  country,  been  furnished  by  the  accomplishment 
of  any  human  enterprise. 

The  advantages  of  canals  were  not  entirely  unknown 
to  ancient  governments.  Among  them,  the  wisest  and 
most  powerful  executed  works  of  this  kind,  in  every  di- 
rection, through  their  territories,  for  the  purposes  of 
agriculture,  commerce,  and  war.  The  vestiges  of  many 
of  these  are  still  discoverable,  and  they  are  doubtless 
to  be  reckoned  among  the  most  impressive  memorials 
that  remain  of  ancient  greatness.  When  we  recollect 
the  instrumentality  which  canals  have  formerly  exhibit- 
ed in  collecting  the  blessings  of  wealth,  strength,  and  a 
crowded  population  for  every  country  through  which 
they  passed,  and  see  those  very  countries,  by  the  neg- 
lect and  ruin  of  them,  reduced  to  their  original  barren- 
ness, can  we  suppress  a  conviction  of  their  immense 
utility  ?  But,  it  is  not  alone  from  history,  and  the  faint 
traces  of  them  which  have  survived  the  lapse  of  many 
centuries,  that  the  advantages  of  these  improvements 
are  to  be  known.  There  are  proofs  more  conclusive. 
Our  own  times  furnish  them.  In  contemplating  the  pre- 
sent state  of  Europe,  it  is  impossible  not  to  be  struck 
with  the  number  and  extent  of  her  canals.  And  we  per- 
ceive that  they  abound  most  in  those  countries  where 
the  wants  of  the  social  state  and  the  means  of  power, 
have  been  most  diligently  explored,  and  are  most  pro- 
foundly understood.  We  see  them  there  enabling  ex- 
tensive empires  to  hold  in  speedy  administration,  to 
every  public  object,  all  the  resources  of  their  remote 


(     196     ) 

sections;  and,  at  the  same  time,  increasing  those 
resources  prodigiously  by  the  economical  exchanges 
of  which  they  are  the  occasion.  Experience  is  always 
a  safe  guide.  It  is  especially  to  be  trusted  when  it  has 
been  acquired  in  the  midst  of  difficulties  and  dangers, 
and  has  been  sanctioned  by  the  wisdom  of  different 
nations.  If,  then,  in  the  pressing  exigencies  of  recent 
events,  when  every  power  of  national  defence  and  an- 
noyance has  been  exerted,  when  all  the  capacities  of 
men,  as  individuals,  and  in  political  combinations,  have 
been  remarkably  evolved,  we  observe,  in  that  quarter 
of  the  globe,  a  perpetually  growing  attention  to  the 
subject  of  canals,  is  it  not  expedient,  is  it  not  wise  for 
us,  to  engage  in  making  them.^  No  country  is  more  sus- 
ceptible of  all  their  benefits  than  ours :  none  of  larger 
extent  presents  fewer  impediments  to  their  construc- 
tion. They  constitute  improvements  peculiarly  fit  for 
a  repablic.  They  contribute  equally  to  the  safety  and 
opulence  of  the  people,  and  the  reputation  and  re- 
sources of  the  government,  They  are  equally  desira- 
ble in  reference  to  the  employments  of  peace,  and  the 
operations  of  war.  In  whatever  light  they  are  viewed, 
they  seem  to  combine  the  substantial  glories  of  the 
most  splendid  and  permanent  utility. 

But  if  the  execution  of  those  of  which  we  are  the  advo- 
cates, be  impracticable,  or  would  involve  an  expense 
disproportionate  to  their  value,  they  can  have  no  claim 
upon  the  favour  of  the  national  legislature.  On  these 
topics  we  entertain  no  doubts.  The  minute  examina- 
tion which  has  been  made  this  season,  under  our 
superintendence,  of  all  the  lands  which  these  canals 
will  traverse,  has  convinced  us,  that  an  expenditure  not 
exceeding  ten  millions  of  dollars  would  be  sufficient  to 
perfect  them.  Shall  they  remain  unattempted  ?  ~  The 
state  of  New-York  is  not  unaware  of  her  interests,  nor 
disinclined  to  prosecute  them ;  but  where  those  of  the 
general  government  are  united  with  her's,  and  seem  to 
be  paramount,  she  deems  it  her  duty  to  ask  for  their 
assistance.  Wherefore,  io  her  behalf,  we  solicit  your 
honourable  body  to  make  such  an  appropriation,  in 


(   197    ) 

lands  or  money,  to  aid  in  the  construction  of  these  canals, 
as  you,  in  your  wisdom,  may  think  reasonable  and  just. 
By  order,  and  in  behalf  of  the  said  commissioners, 
at  a  meeting  held  in  Albany,  on  the  10th  of  No- 
vember, 181  ?> 

DE  WITT  CLINTON,  President. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  to  the  Governor  of  the  State  of  Ohio. 
AJhany^  llth  JYovember,  1816. 

Sir, 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature  of  the  state  of  New- 
York,  passed  at  last  session,  a  board  of  commissioners 
was  constituted  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  prac- 
ticability of  connecting,  by  a  canal,  the  navigable  waters 
of  the  Hudson  river  with  Lake  Erie.  As  the  organ  of 
that  board,  and  in  compliance  with  the  requisitions  of 
said  act,  I  beg  leave,  through  you,  to  solicit  the  atten- 
tion of  the  honourable  the  legislature  of  the  state  of 
Ohio,  to  this  interesting  subject. 

A  careful  examination,  by  competent  engineers,  of 
the  route  of  the  contemplated  canal,  fully  authorizes 
the  belief  that  it  can  be  made  at  an  expense,  which, 
although  considerable,  will  be  vastly  overbalanced  by 
the  utility  of  the  object.  A  facility  in  the  transportation 
to  market  of  the  abundant  productions  of  the  west, — a 
rapid  and  easy  interchange  of  commodities  of  foreign 
and  domestic  growth — an  increasing  activity  in  com- 
mercial and  agricultural  pursuits,  and  a  consequent 
enhancement  in  the  value  of  lands,  are  some  of  the 
most  obvious  benefits  to  be  realized  from  a  communica- 
tion between  the  great  lakes  and  the  Atlantic,  by  means 
of  a  navigable  canal. 

Nor  can  it  be  disputed,  that  from  the  local  situation 
of  the  state  of  Ohio,  the  luxuriance  of  her  soil,  her 
growing  wealth  and  increasing  population,  she  will  be 
among  the  first  to  enjoy  these  advantages. 

As  the  citizens  of  the  state  of  Ohio,  in  common  with 
those  of  the  state  of  New-York,  will  enjoy  the  benefits 
of  this  improvement  in  the  means  of  internal  communi- 
cation, it  seems  to  be   the  dictate  of  justice,  that, 


(    198    ) 

with  them,  they  should  also  participate  in  the  ex= 
pense. 

The  legislature  of  the  state,  distinguished  for  pa- 
triotism and  liberality,  are  thereforere  spectfuUy  invited 
to  partake  with  New-York,  in  the  lasting  advantages 
and  immortal  honour  resulting  from  the  accomplish- 
ment  of  an  object  so  important. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
DE  WITT  CLINTON,  President 
of  the  Board  of  Canal  Commissioners, 
His  Excellency  the  Governor  of  Ohio. 

The  foregoing  letter  was  communicated  by  the  go- 
vernor, to  the  senate  and  house  of  representatives  of 
the  state  of  Ohio,  as  follows  : 

"  I  communicate  to  you  copies  of  a  letter  from  De 
Witt  Clinton,  Esq.  president  of  the  board  of  canal 
commissioners,  in  the  state  of  New-York.  That  state 
contemplates  making  a  canal  which  will  connect  the 
navigable  waters  of  the  Hudson  river  with  Lake  Erie. 

The  advantages  of  such  a  water  communication  to 
the  state  of  Ohio  generally,  and  in  a  particular  man- 
ner to  the  northern  part  of  it,  are  so  manifest,  that  I 
am  persuaded  you  will  not  hesitate  to  give  the  subject 
that  careful  examination,  its  great  importance  requires. 

I  recommend  to  your  consideration  the  propriety  of 
using  such  means  as  you  may  deem  proper,  to  ascer- 
tain the  practicability  and  expense  of  tiie  contemplated 
canal.  Should  the  information  obtained  on  these  points 
be  satisfactory,  it  will  become  the  duty  of  the  people 
of  Ohio  to  give  all  the  aid  in  their  power  towards  effect- 
ing an  object,  in  which  they  are  so  deeply  interested." 

On  the  subject  of  this  communication,  a  joint  com- 
mittee of  both  houses  of  the  legislature  of  the  state  of 
Ohio  was  appointed,  who  made  the  following  report ; 


(    199    ) 

The  joint  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Communi' 
cation  of  his  Excellency  the  Governor  of  the  eleventh  ult. 
together  with  the  accompanying  Letter  from  the  Honour- 
able De  Witt  Clinton^  on  the  subject  of  the  contemplated 
Canal  fromLahe  Eree  to  the  Hudson  River^  have  had 
the  same  under  consideration,  and  now  submit  the  following 
Report : — 

From  a  view  of  the  subject  submitted  to  their  con- 
sideration, your  committee  are  fully  impressed  with  the 
belief,  that  the  making  of  a  Canal  from  the  Hudson 
river  to  Lake  Erie,  is  an  object  of  the  first  importance 
to  this  state,  and  the  United  States  in  general,  both  in 
a  commercial  and  in  a  political  point  of  view.  The 
facility  which  it  will  afford  to  the  exportation  of  the 
surplus  produce  of  our  luxuriant  soil,  and  the  conse- 
quent encouragement  of  agricultural  and  commercial 
enterprise,  are  effects  too  obvious  to  pass  unnoticed, 
and  of  too  much  importance  to  be  neglected ;  as  afford- 
ing a  safe,  easy,  and  expeditious  mean  of  a  mutual 
interchange  of  commodities  between  different  sections 
of  our  common  country,  highly  advantageous  to  all,  as 
increasing  the  commercial  connexion,  friendly  inter- 
course, and  ties  of  interest,  and  by  these  means  strength- 
ening the  bonds  of  union  between  remote  parts  of  the 
nation.  The  contemplated  Canal  presents  advantages 
vastly  superior  to  those  resulting  from  any  work  of  the 
kind  accomplished  by  the  industry  of  man  in  any  age 
or  country. 

From  a  geographical  view  of  the  state  of  Ohio,  ex- 
tending for  a  great  distance  on  its  northern  frontier 
along  the  extensive  navigable  waters  of  the  St,  Law- 
rence, presenting  all  the  advantages  of  a  northern  mar- 
ket, and  washed  on  the  eastern  and  southern  bounda- 
ries by  one  of  the  great  branches  of  the  Mississippi, 
affording  an  easy  access  to  a  southern  market,  and  a 
facility  in  obtaining  the  various  productions  of  the 
south ;  connecting  the  northern  with  the  southern,  and 
the  western  with  the  Atlantic  States  :  considering  its 
happy  climate  and  the  luxuriant  fertility  of  its  soil,  in- 
tergected  by  navigable  rivers,  and  unbroken  by  moun- 


(    200     ) 

tains,  we  are  struck  with  its  natural  advantages,  which, 
if  improved  by  an  enlightened  and  liberal  policy,  will 
render  the  situation  of  Ohio  inferior  to  that  of  no  state 
in  the  Union,  or  country  in  the  world.— Among  these 
improvements,  the  contemplated  Canal  is  unquestion- 
ably of  the  first  importance.  Sensible  that  a  work  of 
such  magnitude  cannot  be  effected  without  the  united 
and  vigorous  exertions  of  those  interested  ;  and  fully 
impressed  with  the  belief  that  the  greatest  advantages 
will  result  to  the  United  States  generally,  and  par- 
ticularly to  the  state  of  Ohio,  as  well  as  the  state  of  New- 
York,  from  the  completion  of  the  contemplated  canal ; 
your  committee  are  clearly  of  opinion,  that  true  policy, 
as  well  as  justice,  require  the  state  of  Ohio  to  lend  its 
aid  to  the  accomplishment  of  a  work  of  such  incalcula- 
ble utility  : 

We  are  at  the  same  time  sensible  that  the  funds  of 
this  state  will  not  permit  us  to  aid  in  the  undertaking 
in  that  proportion  which  might  be  expected  from  the 
relative  population  of  the  state. 

Your  committee  have  had  no  accurate  means  of  as- 
certaining the  probable  expense  of  the  proposed  Canal; 
but  from  the  best  information  they  have  been  able  to 
obtain,  they  are  induced  to  believe  that  the  work  is 
not  only  practicable,  but  can  be  accomplished  at  an 
expense  within  the  reach  of  those  interested ;  and  from 
the  enterprising  spirit  and  enlightened  policy  of  the 
state  of  New- York,  they  feel  little  hesitation  in  believ- 
ing that  it  will  be  undertaken. 

Your  committee  are  at  present  unable  to  point  out 
or  recommend  any  particular  method  of  aiding  in  the 
proposed  work,  not  being  in  possession  of  any  informa- 
tion relative  to  the  system  or  plan  which  may  be 
adopted  by  the  state  of  New- York,  for  effecting  the 
object. 

Your  committee  respectfully  submit  for  consideration 
the  following  resolutions. 

Resolved^  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ohio^ 
That  this  state  will  aid,  as  far  as  its  resources  will  jus- 
tify, in  making  the  contemplated  Canal  from  Lake  Erie 


(    201    ) 

to  the  Hudson  river,  in  such  manner  as  may  be  deemed 
most  adviseable,  when  the  plan  or  system  which  may 
be  adopted  by  the  state  of  New-Yorkfor  the  accomphsh- 
ment  of  that  work,  may  be  known ;  and  that  His  Excel- 
lency the  Governor,  be  requested  to  open  a  correspon- 
dence with  the  Honourable  De  Witt  Clinton,  or  such 
other  persons  as  he  may  think  necessary ;  and  take 
such  other  means  as  he  may  deem  adviseable,  in  order 
to  ascertain  the  practicability  and  probable  expense  of 
making  said  Canal ;  the  probable  time  when  the  same 
will  be  commenced ;  the  plan  which  may  be  adopted 
to  carry  it  into  effect,  and  such  other  information  as  he 
may  deem  important  or  useful,  and  communicate  the 
same  to  the  General  Assembly  at  their  next  session. 

Resolved^  That  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  be 
requested  to  transmit  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  Report 
and  Resolution,  to  the  Executive  of  the  state  of  New- 
York,  and  to  the  Honourable  De  Witt  Clinton,  president 
of  the  Board  of  Commissioners  for  the  Canal  from  Lake 
Erie  to  Hudson's  river. 

THOMAS  KIKKER, 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives > 
ABRAHAM  SHEPHERD, 

Speaker  of  the  Senate. 

January  21  th,  1817. 

Secretary  of  Stater's  Office,  Columbus, 

Ohio,  nth,  February,  1817. 
I  Certify  the  foregoing  to  be  a  correct  Copy  of  the 
original  remaining  on  file  in  this  office. 

JERM'SIM, 
Secretary  of  State. 
This  report  was  enclosed   to  the  President  of  the 
Board  of  Commissioners,  by  His  Excellency  the  Go- 
vernor of  that  State,  in  the  following  letter. 

Executive  Office, 

Columbus,  Feb.  10th,  1817. 
Sir. 

Your  letter  of  11th  of  November,  was  received 
in  due  time  and  communicated  to  the  General  Assembly 


€k 


(    202    ) 

of  Ohio,  as  you  will  perceive,  by  the  resolutions,  which 
I  have  the  honour  now  to  enclose  to  you.  Any  infor- 
mation which  you  may  deem  proper  to  communicate^  in 
addition  to  that  requested  by  the  first  resolution,  will  be 
thankfully  received  and  laid  before  the  legislature  of 
Ohio,  at  their  next  session. 

Very  respectfully, 

T.  WORTHINGTON. 

De  Win  Clinton,  Esquire. 

Applications,  similar  to  the  one  herein  before  con- 
tained to  Ohio,  have  been  made,  by  the  commissioners, 
to  the  states  of  Vermont  and  Kentucky,  from  whom  no 
answers  have  hitherto  been  received. 


Miscellaneous  particulars  of  information,  respecting  the  Mid- 
dlesex canal,  near  Boston,  in  the  state  of  Massachusetts. 

The  following  information,  respecting  the  Middlesex 
canal,  was  obtained  in  May  last,  by  two  of  the  Commis- 
sioners, who  visited  and  carefully  examined  that  canal, 
throughout  its  whole  extent,  aqd  committed  to  writing, 
on  the  spot,  the  result  of  their  own  observations,  as  well 
as  the  answers  to  all  their  inquiries,  which  were  oblig- 
ingly given,  by  the  very  intelligent  agent  (Mr.  Sullivan) 
of  the  canal  company. 

The  canal  is  27  miles  long,  and  connects  the  tide- 
water, in  Boston  harbour  at  Charlestown,  with  the  Mer- 
rinjack  river.  The  water  in  the  canal  is  30  feet  wide 
at  its  surface,  20  feet  at  its  bottom,  and  3  feet  deep. 
The  Concord  or  Sudbury  river  crosses  the  line  of  the 
canal  on  the  summit-level,  22  miles  from  Charlestown, 
and  .5  miles  from  the  junction  of  the  canal  with  the  Mer- 
rimack, and  wholly  supplies  it  with  water  for  locking, 
down  each  way  from  the  summit-level.  From  tide-wa- 
ter to  the  summit-level  is  an  ascent  of  104  feet,  and  from 
thence  to  the  Merrimack  a  descent  of  3  2  feet.  There 
a  re,  in  all,  20  locks  of  different  lifts,  of  which  the  high- 
est is  12  feet.  These  locks  are  75  feet  long  in  the  clear, 
10  feet  wide  at  the  bottom,  and  11  feet  at  the  top. 


(    203    ) 

Boats  for  the  transportation  of  merchandise  and  pro- 
duce carry  14  tons,  and  are  drawn  bj  one  horse  3  miles 
an  hour.  Packet-boats  pass  the  whole  length  in  5  hours 
coming  down,  and  7  hours  going  up.  To  each  boat 
there  are  three  men;  two,  however,  are  sufficient  to 
manage  the  boat  on  the  canal,  the  other  being  wanted 
only  on  the  Merrimack  river.  From  the  summit-level, 
down  the  canal,  there  is  a  current  which  exceeds  in  no 
place  half  a  mile  per  hour  there  being  a  fall  or  descent 
in  the  canal  of  one  inch  per  mile.  The  expense  of 
transporting  a  ton  the  whole  length  of  the  canal  is 
$3  50,  of  which  sum  gl  70  is  toll,  and  g!l  80  is  freight. 

Across  the  canal,  there  are  50  bridges,  made  by  the 
canal  company ;  they  consist  of  2  stone  abutments  (one 
on  each  side  of  the  canal)  20  feet  apart :  from  one  of 
these  abutments  to  the  other,  are  laid  sills  or  string- 
pieces  of  wood,  covered  with  plank,  and  of  sufficient 
height  for  the  towing  horses  to  pass  under.  The  tbw- 
iiig-path  under  the  bridges  occupies  6  or  7  feet. 

Two  miles  from  the  lower  end  of  the  canal,  Mystick 
river,  a  turnpike  road,  and  the  canal,  run  a  little  dis- 
tance parallel  with  each  other,  the  road  being  between 
the  canal  and  river.  Here  is  affi^rded  a  good  opportu- 
nity of  comparing  the  relative  advantages  of  these 
three  modes  of  conveyance. 

Heavier  boats  than  those  above-mentioned,  are  used 
on  the  canal  for  transporting  fire-wood,  lumber,  &c.; 
they  are  shaped  like  a  scow,  are  75  feet  long,  9|-  feet 
wide,  and  carry  25  tons  of  wood. 

The  towing-path  is  generally  8  feet  wide,  so  that 
horses  and  oxen  may  easily  pass  each  other.  On  the 
opposite  side  of  the  canal,  where  a  towing-path  is  not 
wanted,  the  upper  surface  of  the  bank  or  embankment 
is  five  feet  wide,  and  this  is  found  to  be  sufficient.-  A 
branch-canal,  or  side-cut  is  made  to  connect  the  main 
canal  with  Mystick  river,  near  Medford ;  this  is  owned 
by  a  separate  company,  and  is  principally  used  for 
transporting  timber  to  Medford  for  ship-building. 

The  canal  company  was  incorporated  in  1789,  and 
the  next  year  commenced  the  work  of  making  the 


(    204    ) 

canal.— When  the  canal  was  begun,  the  price  of  labour 
by  the  month  was  $8.  The  canal  was  opened  foruse^ 
in  1804,  though  not  completed  in  1808,  when  Mr.  Sulli- 
van took  charge  of  it.  Some  repairs  and  new  con- 
structions have  been  made  every  year  since.  In 
assesments  upon  the  proprietors,  there  has  been  laid 
out  on  the  canal  ^528,000,  and  about  ^50,000  more, 
derived  from  tolls,  has  been  expended  in  buildings, 
wharves,  &;c.  At  Medford  is  a  swivel  bridge,  which  is 
found  to  be  very  inconvenient.  The  principal  articles 
transported  on  the  canal  are  wood,  timber,  lumber  of 
all  kinds,  pot  and  pearl  ashes,  rye,  oats,  provisions,  and 
building  stone  from  the  Merrimack  to  Boston.  Last 
year  12,000  cords  of  wood  were  transported  down  the 
canal,  and  there  are  more  tons  of  timber  in  rafts,brought 
down,  than  of  wood. 

More  than  one  half  of  the  whole  length  of  th^  canal 
is  more  or  less  embanked  or  raised  above  the  natural 
surface  of  the  ground.  Above  Medford  is  an  aqueduct 
across  the  Mystick  river,  of  which  the  abutments  are 
J  00  feet  apart,  and  between  them  are  three  stone  piers, 
each  8  feet  thick,  for  supporting  the  aqueduct.  The 
tide  flows  up  the  Mystick  river  above  this  place.  The 
surface  of  the  water  in  the  aqueduct,  is  10  feet  above 
the  surface  of  the  water  in  the  river  below,  at  high 
water.  This  aqueduct  consists  of  a  kind  of  trough 
made  of  timber  and  plank,  which  has  stood  16  years, 
but  is  beginning  to  decay.  The  timber  is  framed 
together  in  the  usual  way  of  carpenter's  work,  by 
tenants  and  mortises,  and  strengthened  by  braces. 
As  tenants  soon  rot,  and  give  way,  it  might  have  been 
made  on  a  better  and  more  durable  construction,  with 
knees  and  bolts,  in  the  manner  of  ship-building.  At 
the  upper  end  of  the  aqueduct,  is  a  lock  of  12  feet  lift. 

Mr.  Weston,  an  English  engineer,  took  the  levels  of 
the  whole  length  of  the  line  of  tliis  canal,  part  of  the 
way  on  two  routes.  He  estimated  the  expense  of 
making  it  at  100,000/.  sterling.  The  company  went  on 
to  make  the  canal,  without  any  further  aid  from  any 
European  engineer,  and  found  Mr.  Weston'' s  levels  to  be 
correct. 


(    205    ) 

Over  Syms'  river  is  an  aqueduct,  of  which  the  abut- 
ments are  120  feet  apart,  with  three  intervening  piers. 
The  water  in  the  aqueduct,  is  30  feet  higher  than  the 
water  in  the  stream  below.  These  aqueducts  all  afford 
convenient  waste-weirs.  When  the  water  is  not  drawn 
off  from  the  canal  at  the  commencement  of  winter,  the 
expansion  of  its  freezing,  spreads  and  injures  the  tim- 
bers of  the  aqueducts;  wherefore,  it  is  the  practice,  just 
before  the  winter  sets  in,  to  draw  off  about  one  third 
of  the  water. 

Half  a  mile  above  the  last  mentioned  aqueduct,  is 
deep  cutting,  40  rods  in  length,  through  loose  sand  and 
gravel.  In  the  deepest  part  of  the  excavation,is  20  feet 
below  the  natural  surface  of  the  earth ;  and  the  part 
excavated,  is  here,  from  90  to  100  feet  in  width  at  the 
top.  The  earth  was  chiefly  carried  away  in  wheel- 
barrows, some  in  carts,  to  an  embankment  just  above, 
on  the  right  side.  Half  a  mile  higher  up,  the  earth  is 
very  porous,  and  on  the  right  side,  the  water  leaks  out 
through  or  under  an  embankment:  this  might  have 
been  prevented,  by  putting  2  or  3  feet  of  water-tight 
stuff  in  the  bottom  of  the  canal. 

>^  Near  this  place  are  two  water-gates,  by  which  the  wa- 
ter of  the  canal  is  drawn  off  in  the  spring  for  the  pur- 
pose of  clearing  out  the  earth,  stones,  &c.  which  fall  in- 
to it,  and  injure  the  navigation.  The  expense  of  this,  is 
perhaps  $500  a  year. 

Mr.  Sullivan  states,  that  he  has  had  a  steam-boat  on 
the  Merrimack  river  for  the  purpose  of  towing  boats  ; 
he  found,  that  a  man  by  a  rope  could  easily  hold  a  boat 
in  tow,  immediately  astern  of  the  steam-boat,  which  it 
would  require  a  horse,  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  to  tow 
with  the  same  velocity:  such,  in  his  opinion,  is  the 
great  diminution  of  the  resistance  of  the  water,  to  the 
head  of  a  boat,  which  is  drawn  in  the  wake  of  another 
boat. 

For  some  weeks  in  the  spring,  the  canal  leaks  much 
more  than  it  does  the  remainder  of  the  season :  this  is 
because  the  banks  had  been  recently  swelled  and 
loosened  by  the  action  of  the  frost.    Three  men  with  a 


(     206     ) 

horse  and  boat,  are,  in  the  summer,  constantly  employ- 
ed, to  keep  the  banks,  and  particularly  the  towing- 
path  in  order. 

The  lands  within  six  miles  of  the  canal  on  each  side, 
have  increased  one-third  in  price;  while  land  in  the 
country,  generally  retains  its  former  value.  In  the  state 
of  New-Hampshire,  through  which  the  Merrimack  flows, 
timber  is  now  worth  from  1  to  3  dollars  per  ton  stand- 
ing; before  the  canal  was  made,  it  was  worth  nothing; 
so  that  in  the  article  of  timber  alone,  that  state  is  sup^ 
posed  to  have  been  benefited  to  the  amount  of  at  least 
5,000,000  of  dollars.  The  wood-land  there,  has  risen  in 
price,  since  the  opening  of  the  canal,  from  $2  per  acre, 
to  ^6,  ;S8,  and  glO  per  acre. 

In  Woburn,  a  pretty  high  embankment,  which  was 
miade  in  the  winter,  across  a  marsh,  sunk  down  in  the 
spring,  at  the  breaking  uppf  the  frost,  so  that  its  top  was 
just  level  with  the  natural  earth:  another  embankment 
was  then  raised  upon  it.  Near  this  place,  the  canal,  by 
a  deep  cutting  of  25  feet,  passes  through  a  hill.  An 
embankment  at  Maple  meadow,  in  the  town  of  Wilming- 
ton, is  near  80  rods  long,  and  25  feet  high,  to  the  top  of 
the  towing-path.  At  a  place  called  the  sinking  mea- 
dow, in  the  above-named  town,  an  embankment  is  made 
across  a  marsh  of  about  30  rods  in  extent.  When  this 
embankment  was  commenced,  it  was  found  that  the 
dirt  and  stuff  carried  on,  to  form  the  embankment,  kept 
gradually  sinking  into  the  marsh;  when  measures  were 
taken  to  ascertain  how  much  it  would  sink :  the  labour- 
ers continued  to  carry  on  stuff  which  gradually  went 
down,  until  the  whole  embankment  sunk  to  the  depth  of 
60  feet !  The  great  expense  of  making  this  embank- 
ment across  the  marsh,  might  have  been  foreseen,  and 
prevented.  The  depth  and  softness  of  the  marsh,  might 
have  been  ascertained  by  sounding  it  with  an  iron  rod, 
and  by  conducting  the  canal  circuitously  around  its 
margin,  a  solid  foundation  might  have  been  secured. 

By  the  act  of  incorporation,  the  Legislature  author- 
ized the  company  to  occupy,  5  rods  of  land  in  width  on 
one  side  of  the  centre  of  the  canal,  and  3  rods  on  the 


(     207     ) 

other.  If  the  owners  of  the  land  did  not  apply  for  pay 
within  a  year,  it  was  deemed  a  donation.  In  the  state- 
ment of  monies  expended,  before  made,  are  included, 
the  costs  of  several  law-suits,  the  building  of  boats, 
of  offices,  the  purchase  of  70  acres  of  land,  and  the 
erection  of  mills  at  Billerica.  The  land  and  mills  cost 
$10,000.  There  is  no  income  derived  from  hiring  out 
water  privileges,  for  hydraulic  operations.  The  cannal 
receives  its  whole  supply  of  water,  from  the  Concord 
river;  and  if  any  were  let  out  for  hydraulic  purposes,  a 
current  would  be  created,  the  inconveniencies  of  which, 
would  probably  more  than  counterbalance  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  income. 

Either  through  design  or  accident,  logs,  stumps  and 
sticks  were  in  some  places  left  in  the  banks,  when  the 
canal  was  made ;  and  these,  having  now  become  rotten, 
leave  unsound  places,  through  which  the  water  escapes. 
A  great  part  of  the  canal  was  made  by  contractors,  in 
small  parts  or  jobs,  and  where  two  jobs  of  embankment 
met  each  other,  the  workmen  did  not,  in  some  cases, 
take  the  precaution  to  prevent  the  stones,  as  they  threw 
on  the  stuff,  from  rolling  down  together,  from  each  end 
of  the  separate  job,  and  thereby  forming  a  loose  porous 
and  leaky  place  in  the  embankment. 

The  aqueduct  over  the  Shawsheen  river  is,  between  % 
the  abutments,  140  feet.  The  water  in  it  is,  35  feet 
higher,  than  the  surface  of  the  river  below.  This  aque- 
duct has  been  made  20  years ;  it  is,  like  the  other  aque- 
ducts on  this  canal,  made  of  wood,  and  is  so  much  de- 
cayed, as  to  require  temporary  props,  to  support  it. — 
There  are  three  piers  between  the  abutments,  and,  be- 
tween the  outside  pier  and  the  abutment  on  each  side, 
there  is  a  kind  of  Wooden  pier.  On  the  inside,  or  river 
side  of  both  the  abutments,  and  on  both  sides  of  the 
piers  at  suitable  distances,  large  horizontal  timbers  are 
embedded,  which  serve  to  support  the  lower  ends  of  the 
aqueduct  braces  :  when  these  timbers  become  rotten, 
the  stone  work  will  probably  fall  down.  From  each  - 
end  of  this  aqueduct,  to  the  distance  of  500  feet,  is  an 
embankment  nearly  35  feet  high. 


(     208     ) 

During  the  war,  the  timber  used  to  repair  the  Consti" 
tution  frigate,  was  brought,  down  the  canal  to  Boston^ 
and  that  used  to  build  the  Independence,  seventy-four, 
except  the  live  oak,  was  procured  through  the  same 
channel,  as  also  were  many  of  the  masts  and  spars,  &c. 
which  were  furnished  at  Boston,  to  our  vessels  of  war. 
Without  the  canal,  this  part  of  the  country  could  not 
have  supplied  these  necessary  articles. 

In  approaching  the  Concord  river,  the  canal  passes 
through  half  a  mile  of  deep-cutting,  800  feet  of  which 
is  excavated  by  blasting  through  a  hard  granite  rock. — 
In  some  places,  this  blasting  was  carried  7  feet  into  the 
rock,  and  from  14  to  20  feet  wide.  The  deep-cutting  for 
this  half  mile,  is  from  12  to  20  feet. 

Across  the  Concord  river,  a  few  rods  below  the  line 
of  the  canal,  a  dam  of  150  feet  long,  and  8  feet  high  is 
made.  This  creates  a  pond,  out  of  which,  through  the 
deep-cutting  last  mentioned,  the  water  flows  and  sup- 
plies the  canal,  22  miles  to  Charlestown  at  the  tide-wa- 
ter. From  the  other  side  of  the  pond,  the  water  flows 
through  the  canal  5  miles  to  the  Merrimack  river.  The 
water  which  supplies  the  22  miles  of  the  canal,  passes 
through  a  horizontal  apeture  of  6  feet  by  1 ,  with  a  head 
of  2  feet  water,  above  the  upper  side  of  the  apeture. 
The  towing-path,  is  carried  across  the  pond,  by  means 
of  a  floating  bridge,  a  part  of  which  is  occasionally 
drawn  up,  to  let  the  logs,  timber  and  drift-wood,  which 
collect  above  pass  through.  There  are  two  waste  gates 
in  the  dam,  by  which  the  height  of  the  water  in  the 
pond  can,  in  some  measure,  be  regulated. 

In  Chelmsford,  within  60  rods  of  the  Merrimack,  is 
an  aqueduct,  of  which  the  abutments  are  1 10  feet  apart, 
and  there  are  ten  wooden  piers  to  support  it.  The  wa- 
ter in  the  aqueduct,  is,  16  feet  higher  than  the  stream 
below.  Between  this  aqueduct  and  the  Merrimack,  is  a 
fall  of  32  feet,  and  3  locks  of  durable  stone  masonry,  in 
tarres  mortar.  Where  the  canal  joins  the  Merrimack, 
a  basin  is  excavated,  10  or  12  feet  below  the  natural 
surface  of  the  earth,  and  5  feet  below  the  surface  of  the 
river,  at  low  water.    The  extent  of  the  ,basin  is  about 


(   209    ) 

200  feet  on  the  shore  of  the  river,  and  half  that  dis- 
tance on  a  line  at  right  angles  with  the  shore,  being 
nearly  semi-circular.  There  are  in  all  7  aqueducts  on 
the  canal,  but  those  not  mentioned  above  are  very  in- 
considerable :  there  are  also  s.everal  culverts.-r-Grass 
grows  in  the  bottom  of  the  canal,  and  obstructs  the 
passage  of  the  water  in  autumn  to  such  a  degree,  that 
at  the  lower  end  of  the  canal,  22  miles  from  its  source, 
the  water  is  sometimes  9  inches  lower  than  it  otherwise 
would  be.  To  remedy  this  inconvenience  a  man  is 
employed  who  wades  along  the  canal  and  mows  off 
the  grass  under  water  with  a  scythe.  During  the 
winter  season,  while  the  canal  was  not  used,  the  musk- 
rats  would  sometimes  burrow  into  and  endanger  the 
breaking  of  the  banks  ;  in  consequence  of  which  the 
company  had  offered  a  bounty  of  50  cents  for  every 
one  that  should  be  destroyed  within  a  certain  distance 
of  the  canal.  This  bounty  had  caused  their  destruc- 
tion to  such  an  extent  that  very  little  apprehension  was 
entertained  of  their  doing  injury. 

It  was  the  original  design  of  the  company  to  em- 
ploy three  officers  on  the  canal,  viz.  a  superintendent, 
a  treasurer  and  clerk  ;  but  that  project  has  been  aban- 
doned, and  those  three  officers  are  now  united  in  Mr. 
Sullivan.  His  compensation  is  a  salary  of  ;^1500  a 
year,  besides  5  per  cent,  on  all  the  tolls  or  receipts, 
which  are  warranted  not  to  fall  short  of  ;S  20,000  per 
annum. 

The  receipts  of  the  company  from  the  canal  are  ra- 
pidly increasing.  The  income  in  1808,  was  $7000,  in 
1809,  gi9000,  in  1810,  g  14,000,  in  1811,  g!  17,000,  last 
year  $25,000,  and  this  year  (1816)  it  will,  undoubtedly, 
exceed  $30,000. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  to  Paul  Bustt,  Esq.  Agent  of  the  Hol- 
land Land  Company^  from  the  President  of  the  Board 
of  Commissioners. 

JVew-  York^  ith  January,  1817. 
Sir, 
I  am  charged  by  the   commissioners  of  canals,  to  ^  4 

27 


»«• 


(     210     ) 

Isoicit  your  attention  to  the  donations  of  lands  hereto- 
fore promised  by  the  Holland  Land  Company,  but 
which  was  not  consummated,  on  account  of  the  late 
war,  which  rendered  it  almost  impracticable  for  the 
state  to  embark  in  an  undertaking  of  such  magnitude 
and  expanse,  at  that  time. 

The  commissioners  arc  anxious  to  know,. with  all  con- 
venient speed,  whether  you  will  renew  the  grant,  and 
add  to  it  the  lands  through  which  the  canal  will  pass, 
and  which  may  be  necessary  for  the  operation,  on  con- 
dition that  the  canal  shall  be  completed  within  twenty 
years.     The  lands  of  course  will  not  be  taxed. 

Your  prompt  answer  will  oblige  the  board  of  commis- 
sioners, who  are  required  by  law  to  make  a  report  to 
the  legislature,  on  the  subject  of  the  canal,  some  time 
in  the  beginning  of  February ;  and  I  have  only  to  add, 
that  the  whole  route  has  been  surveyed,  that  the  prac- 
ticability and  comparative  cheapness  of  the  canal,  has 
been  satisfactorily  ascertained,  and  that  a  liberal  spirit 
manifested  by  the  great  landed  proprietors,  on  this 
occasion,  may  have  a  benign  effect  in  promoting  this 
great  object. 

Very  respectfully,  I  am,  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
BE  WITT  CLINTON, 

President^  of  the  Board  of  Canal  Commissioners. 

Paul  Bnsii,  Esq.  , 

(Jinswer  to  the  foregoing  Letter.^ 

Philadelphia,  January  9th,  1817. 

Sir, 

I  have  had  the  honour  of  receiving  your  letter  of  the 
4th  instant,  on  the  subject  of  the  renewal  of  the  donation 
of  lands,  heretofore  made,  by  the  Holland  Land  Compa- 
ny, for  promoting  the  execution  of  canal  navigation, 
from  Lake  Erie  to  the  Hudson  river,  but  which,  in  conse- 
quence of  a  postponement  of  this  great  undertaking,  has 
reverted  to  the  company. 


(    211  ) 

I  am  not  prepared  to  give  a  definite  reply  to  your  in- 
quiry. I  mUst  content  myself,  for  the  present,  to  assure 
you,  that  the  disposition  of  the  Holland  Land  Company, 
to  aid  so  important  a  work,  remains  unaltered.  The 
only  question  has  been,  the  best  manner  in  which  they 
can  give  elFect  to  their  wish  of  contributing  towards  ef- 
fecting it.  With  this  view,  I  have  some  time  since  con- 
sulted Jos.  Ellicott,  Esq.  (the  company's  agent  at  Bata- 
via,)  on  this  subject,  and  flatter  myself  with  having  it  in 
my  power,  shortly,  to  offer  to  the  board  of  canal  commis- 
sioners, the  Holland  Land  Company's  donation,  in 
lands,  on  such  terms  as,  I  trust,  will  be  perfectly  satis- 
factory to  the  gentlemen  commissioners,  and  furnish  a 
further  proof  of  the  sincere  disposition  of  my  constitu- 
ents, to  aid  undertakings  of  public  utility. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  very  respectfully.  Sir, 
Your  most  obed't  servant. 

PAUL  BUST!. 
De  Witt  Clinton^  Esq.  President 

of  the  board  of  Canal  Commissioners^  8^c.  S^c. 

(Second  answer  from  the  same.^ 

Philadelphia,  February  22nd,  1817. 
Sir, 

Agreeably  to  the  promise  conveyed  by  my  respects 
of  the  9th.  ult.  I  have  now  the  honour  of  waiting  on 
you  with  the  Holland  Land  Company's  offer  of  contri- 
buting to  the  making  of  a  canal  navigation  from  the  east 
end  of  Lake  Erie  to  the  Hudson  river. 

After  mature  reflection  and  consultation  with  Mr. 
Ellicott,  on  the  most  proper  means  of  giving  effect  to  the 
Holland  Land  Company's  disposition  of  aiding  a  public 
undertaking  of  such  magnitude,  and  promising  such  im- 
portant advantages  to  your  patriotic  state,  I  have  come 
to  the  determination  of  renewing,  on  the  same  terms, 
the  offer  heretofore  made  and  accepted  by  the  gentle- 
men commissioners  in  1814,  but  which,  in  consequence 
of  the  late  war,  was  not  consummated.  I  have  been  led  to 
this  selection  by  the  conviction  that  I  shall  have  the 


(      212    ) 

happiness  of  reconciling  the  liberal  views  of  my  con- 
stituents, with  the  most  sanguine  expectati6ns  of  your 
board.  The  acceptation  in  1H14,  of  this  grant,  forms 
the  ground  of  this  conviction.  I  have  now  the  pleasure 
to  repeat  my  offer  of  conveying  to  the  state  of  New- 
York,  two  tracts  of  land  situate  in  the  county  of  Cat- 
taraugus and  state  ofNew-York,  containing  upwards  of 
one  hundred  thousand  acres  of  land,  on  condition  that 
the  canal  shall  be  completed  within  twenty  years;  that 
the  land  shall  not  be  taxed  during  that  period,  and  in 
case  of  failure,  that  it  shall  revert  to  the  company,  or 
the  state  remain  accountable  for  any  part  sold  or  dis- 
posed of  For  the  particulars  of  the  terms  and  condi- 
tions, on  which  the  grant  was  heretofore  made,  and  is 
now  renewed,  I  beg  your  reference  to  the  enclosed 
copy  of  the  proposed  act  to  be  passed  by  the  legislature, 
and  of  the  conveyance  then  executed  by  the  Hol- 
land Land  Company,  but  since  annulled.  In  case  any 
lots  in  the  two  tracts  should  have  been  sold,  they  must 
of  course  be  excepted ;  but  I  believe  no  such  sale  has 
taken  place.  As  a  further  proof  that  the  best  wishes 
of  my  constituents  for  the  success  of  this  stupendous 
work,  have  not  been  weakened  by  the  lapse  of  time, 
since  the  first  offer  reverted,  I  feel  myself  authorized  to 
add  to  that  grant  the  ground  actually  the  property  of 
the  Holland  Land  Company,  through  which  the  canal 
shall  pass,  with  sufficient  tow-paths  along  its  sides,  the 
breadth  of  which  grant,  however,  not  to  exceed  four 
rods.  This  additional  grant  1  offer  oh  condition  that 
the  canal  company  shall  make,  within  the  time  limited 
for  the  completion  of  the  canal,  a  good  and  safe  harbour 
for  vessels  navigating  Lake  Erie,  at  or  near  the  mouth 
of  Buffalo  creek.  To  this  condition,  I  am  persuaded 
no  objection  will  be  made.  It  is  so  intimately  connect- 
ed with  the  free  and  full  use  of  the  canal,  that  it  really 
forms  a  most  important  part  of  it.  That  a  safe  and 
commodious  harbour  at  the  east  end  of  Lake  Erie,  is 
at  present  much  wanted,  and  would  be  an  object  of 
vast  importance  to  the  trade  which  passes  through  that 
inland  sea,  by  offering  security  to  their  vessels,  and 


(    213    ) 

facilities  for  the  loading  and  unloading  of  them,  is  a 
truth  known  to  every  one  acquainted  with  that  part 
of  your  state.  It  appears  to  me  equally  evident,  that 
the  benefits  resulting  from  the  canal  navigation,  must 
in  a  good  measure  depend  on  its  connexion  with  the 
navigation  both  above  and  below  it,  and  that  it  neces- 
sarily becomes  an  object  of  the  last  importance,  to  afford 
every  possible  facility  for  the  transfer  of  the  cargoes 
of  the  canal  boats  to  the  vessels  navigating  the  waters 
above  and  below  them.  Were  I  not  fearful  of  tres- 
passing on  your  valuable  time,  much  more  might  be 
added  in  support  of  this  measure ;  but  it  certainly  has 
not  escaped  the  clearer  penetration  of  the  gentlemen 
commissioners,  and  I  ought .  to  apologize  for  saying  so 
much  on  a  subject,  the  utility  ofwhich  appears  so  evi- 
dent. 

I  am  ready  to  confirm  the  foregoing,  in  the  same 
manner  as  was  done  in  1814:  I  will  convey  the  lands 
and  site  for  the  canal,  on  the  conditions  above  stated,  to 
the  people  of  the  State  of  New-York.  The  deed  to 
remain  as  an  escrow  in  the  hands  of  T.  L.  Ogden,  Esq. 
of  New-York,  to  become  absolute  on  the  passage  of  the 
proposed  act  by  the  legislature,  provided  it  be  passed 
within  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  deed. 

I  flatter  myself  with  ihe  hope  of  having  fully  met  the 
wishes  of  your  board,  and  of  having  afforded  them  and 
the  State  of  New-York,  another  unequivocal  proof,  that 
my  constitiients  feel  the  liveliest  interest  in  the  welfare 
of  your  state,  and  that  they  are  not  the  last  in  offering 
their  mite  in  contributing  to  its  prosperity. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be. 

With  great  respect.  Sir, 

Your  most  obed't^erv't, 
PAULBUSTI, 
Agent  of  the  Holland  Land  Company. 

De  Witt  Clinton,  Esq. 

President  of  the  Grand  Canal  Company^  Sfc.  S^e 


(    2H    ) 
To  the  Members  of  Cong fess^ from  the  State  of  JVew-^York. 

The  Commissioners  of  canals,  for  this  State,  have 
seen,  with  great  pleasure,  the  outlines  of  a  plan  for  ap- 
propriating a  considerable  fund  to  the  internal  improve- 
ment of  the  country ;  and  they  take  the  liberty  of  re- 
spectfully presenting  to  you  some  considerations  con- 
nected with  this  subject,  which  have  an  important  bear- 
ing on  the  public  prosperity. 

1st.  As  to  the  rule  to  be  adopted  for  distribution: 

2d,  As  to  the  authority  making  the  application  of 
the  monies. 

It  appears  to  the  Commissioners,  that  there  ought  to 
be  no  hesitation,  with  regard  to  the  ratio.  The  popula- 
tion of  each  state,  will  be  a  feir  and  unexceptionable 
standard.  In  this  case,  the  state  would  be  entitled  to 
about  ^85,000  annually.  The  interests  of  Ohio  being 
identified  with  ours,  in  relation  to  the  Erie  canal,  and 
those  of  Vermont,  with  regard  to  the  Champlain  canal, 
it  is  reasonable  to  suppose,  that  the  contributions  from 
those  quarters,  arising  from  the  same  source,and  applied 
to  the  same  objects,  would  augment  the  annual  divi= 
dend,  received  by  the  state,  to  ^140,000. 

If  it  be  admitted,  as  it  undoubtedly  ought  to  be,  that 
the  Erie  canal  will  not  cost  more  than  six  millions  of 
dollars,  and  the  Champlain  canal  a  million,  the  greatest 
interest  paid  for  the  money  borrowed  would  not  exceed 
$420,000  annually ;  but  as  the  whole  sum  would  not  be 
wanted  at  once,  it  is  obvious  that  the  allotment  to  this 
state  would  form  an  accumulating  fund,  which  with 
other  resources  amply  within  our  power,  would  enable 
us  to  execute  these  great  works  without  imposing  any 
taxes. 

With  regard  to  the  second  point  for  consideration, 
the  commissioners  are  of  opinion,  that  it  would  be  a 
wise  arrangement  to  confide  the  expenditure  of  the 
money  to  the  state  government,  on  condition  that  it  be 
applied  to  the  canals  in  question. 

The  Commissioners  are  aware,  that  some  of  you  may 
not  be  friendly  to  the  contemplated  canals;  but  they 


(   215    ) 

trust,  that  on  the  presumption  that  these  works  will  be 
undertaken,  none  of  you  will  be  hostile  to  the  appro- 
priation of  an  adequate  revenue,  which  will  promote 
the  object,  without  any  inconvenience  to  your  consti- 
tuents. 

Done  at  Albany,  the  22d  day  of  January,  1817. 
By  order  of  the  Commissioners. 

DE  WITT  CLmTON,  President. 

Letter  from  the  Honourable  Philetus  Smft,  President 
of  the  Senate. 

Albany,  March  5,  1817. 
Dear  Sir, 

In  answer  to  your  inquiries   concerning  the 
canal  made  for  my  mills  in  Phelpstown,  I  can  state,  that 
it  is  260  rods  long,  40  feet  wide  on  the  surface,  and  30 
feet  at  the  bottom,  with  a  depth  of  water  of  from  4  to  5 
feet.     It  runs  through  good   intervale   land;  and  160 
rods  of  it  be  new,  was  grubbed  and  cleared,  and  dug 
by  the  job,  for  $2  50  a  rod.  About  one  half  of  this  160 
rods  lay  along  an  old  water-course,  which  in  many 
places  was  only  to  be  made  wider  and  deeper.     The 
other  half  was  to  be  dug  from  1  i  to  3^  feet  deep.     For 
the  distance  of  30  rods,  it  was  dug  li  feet  deep ;  and 
the  earth  here  was,  for  the  first  foot  in  depth,  a  good 
soil,  such  as  is  common  in  intervales;  for  the  next  2  feet, 
it  inclined  to  clay,  below  which,  there  was  a  clean  gra- 
vel.    Much  of  the  above   excavation   was  done  for  a 
dollar  a  rod.  Where  it  was  deepest,  the  land  was  level, 
and  after  grubbing  and  clearing,  smooth  ;    so  that  the 
plough  and  scraper  alone  were  used  in  moving  it.  Hav- 
ing attend  personal)^'  to  the  progress  of  the  job-work 
above-mentioned,  and  carefully  calculated  the  expense 
of  it  at  the  time,  I  was  then  satisfied,  as  1  am  now,  that 
the  whole  cost  of  excavation  where  it  was  deepest,  in- 
cluding grubbing  and  clearing,  did  not  exceed  ^.5  for  a 
rod.     A  rod  included  about  75  cubic  yards.   The  cost 
of  each    yard,  therefore  was  little  short  of  7   cents. 
It  (should  be  remembered,  that  this  work  was  done  in 


(     216    ) 

the  year  1800,  when  the  price  of  labour  was  less  than 
it  is  now. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  great  respect, 
Your  obedient  servant, 
PHILETUS  SWIFT. 
Hon.  De  Witt  Clinton, 

President  of  the  Board  of  Canal  Commissioners. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  the  Hon.  A.  Porter.,  of  the  Coun- 
ty of  JYiagara^  to  one  of  the  Commissioners. 

JViagara  Falls,  January  3,  1817. 
Dear  Sir. 

Your  letter  of  the  9th  of  August  last,  was  received, 
requesting  of  me,  answers  to  the  following  questions,  viz. 

What  is  the  kind  of  rock  through  which  your  canal 
is  excavated.'' 

What  is  the  length,  width,  and  depth  of  such  excava- 
tion } 

What  was  the  expense  of  it  ? 

What,  in  your  opinion,  would  be  the  expense  of  ex- 
cavating a  canal,  30  feet  wide  and  5  feet  deep,  for  one 
mile,  through  the  common  limestone  rock,  lying  between 
Lake  Erie  and  Genesee  river  ? 

In  reply  to  these  inquiries  I  would  answer:  The  kind 
of  rock  is  horizontal  strata  or  layers  of  limestone,  of 
from  6  to  24  inches  thick.  The  horizontal  joints,  be- 
tween these  layers,  are  so  open,  that  there  is  very  little 
difficulty  in  separating  the  layers.  These  layers  are 
separated  by  perpendicular  cracks,  dividing  them  into 
irregular  and  unequal  slabs,  of  from  1  to  6  or  8  feet 
square.  These  slabs  are  so  sound  as  to  blast  well,  and 
are  very  pure  limestone,  so  that  an  auger,  suitably  tem- 
pered, will  not  batter,  but  will  last  until  the  friction  on 
the  stone  wears  it  out. 

The  length  of  my  canal  is  20  rods,  its  width  1\  feet, 
on  an  average,  its  depth  in  the  rock,  five  feet,  besides 
one  foot  of  earth  on  the  top  of  the  rock. 

It  cost  about  ^300. 

To  excavate  a  mile  of  the  same  kind  of  rock,  the  same 
width  and  depth,  would  of  course  cost  ^8,000.  My  canal 


(    217    ) 

being  the  depth  required,  viz.  five  feet,  and  one-fourth 
part  of  the  width  required,  viz.  7^  feet,  it  follows  that 
four  times  as  much  rock  would  require  to  be  removed 
from  a  canal  30  feet  wide,  and  5  feet  deep,  as  from  one 
of  the  size  of  mine ;  in  that  proportion,  then,  it  would 
cost  $32,000  per  mile.  It  is  however,  my  opinion,  that 
one  of  30  feet  wide,  would  by  no  means  cost  in  the 
same  proportion,  for  the  following  reasons: 

First,  because  in  first  making  an  opening,  the  rocks 
are  all  bound  together  in  such  a  manner,  that  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  remove  any  single  stone  or  rock,  without  blast- 
ing ;  and  at  least  one  half  of  the  blasts  have  little  or 
no  effect.  Whereas,  after  an  opening  is  made,  the 
rock  being  separated  both  by  horizontal  and  perpen- 
dicular joints,  many  of  them  may  be  removed  without 
breaking,  either  by  hand  or  by  the  aid  of  cattle  ,  and 
those  too  large  to  be  removed  whole  may  he  broken 
by  a  sledge  or  with  a  single  blast. 

Secondly,  the  width  of  the  canal  will  enable  you  to 
remove  very  large  rocks,  by  the  aid  of  oxen,  much  ea- 
sier than  they  could  be  hoisted  by  a  windlass,  which 
was  the  way  most  of  mine  were  done,  as  its  width  made 
it  difficult  to  remove  them  with  oxen.  Many  of  those 
which  I  was  obliged  to  blast,  to  enable  me  to  handle 
them,  might  have  been  removed  by  oxen,  could  I  have 
used  them.  From  these  reasons  1  have  no  doubt,  that 
a  canal  through  the  same  kind  of  rock,  which  mine 
passes,  (and  it  is  the  same  as  that  which  prevails  gene- 
rally between  Lake  Erie  and  Genesee  river,)  of  30  feet 
wide  and  5  feet  deep,  might  be  made  for  double  what 
one  of  the  size  of  mine  would  cost,  viz.  it  might  be 
made  for  $16,000  per  mile. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  great  respect, 
Your  obedient  servant, 

AUGUSTUS  PORTER, 

Myron  Holler/,  Esq, 


28 


(   218    ) 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Matthew  Brown,  Jun.  and  Francis 
Brown,  Esquires,  to  one  of  the  Commissioners. 

Gates,  Genesee  County,  January  1 5/,  1818. 
Myron  Holley,  Esquire, 

Sir, 

Your  letter,  of  September  last,  request- 
ing  information  respecting  the  cost  of  making  a  canal, 
at  the  Falls  on  Genesee  river,  which  we  were  then  en- 
gaged in,  to  supply  our  mills,  factory,  &c.  was  duly  re- 
ceived. We  should  have  noticed  the  contents  of  that 
letter  immediately,  but  did  not  complete  the  work  until 
late  in  the  fall,  so  that  we  could  not  ascertain  the  cost 
accurately  ur^til  now.  We  have  given  below  a  state- 
ment of  the  different  items,  in  the  expense  of  making 
the  canal,  that  you  may  see  the  nature  of  the  cost,  in 
effecting  works  of  this  kind. 

Men's  labour  1 535  days,  at  62icts.  %dm  37 

Team's  labour  312  do.  50  cts.  156  00 

do.    by  contract,  100  00 

Mason's  work,  by  contract,  laying  dry  wall,      55  00 

Blacksmith's  bills  repairing  tools,  &c.  142  43 

13  kegs  of  powder,  at  g!l4  182  00 

Tools  worn  out  and  destroyed,  say,  25  00 

Use  of  carts  and  waggons,  40  00 

Subsistence  for  men  at  16s.  per  week,  the 

common  price  for  boarding,  435  00 

Subsistence  for  teams,  at  16s.  per  week,  90  00 

Add  for  the  work  done  by  contract,  on  a  part 

of  the  canal,  the  nature  of  the  work  the  same,  1300  00 

Superintending  6  months,  say  383  39 

Amount  of  the  whole  expenditure,  $3868  19 

The  length  of  the  canal  now  finished  is  74 
rods,  through  limestone,  at  ^15,227  per  rod,     1^3867  98 

The  width  with  perpendicular  banks  is  30 
feet,  the  average  depth  b\  feet,  7448  cubic 
yards,  at  52  cts.  $3872  96 

It  will  be  proper  to  observe,  that  in  making  this  canal, 
the  stone  suitable  for  constructing  buildings  and  other 


(  219    ) 

uses,  were  removed  at  considerable  distance  and  piled : 
that  opening  the  bank  and  constructing  guard  gates  for 
two  miles  ;  also  the  fragments  unfit  for  use  in  building, 
have  been  removed  to  fill  up  and  make  a  street  on  the 
bank,  the  expense  of  all,  which  is  included  in  this  esti- 
mate. We  do  not  hesitate  to  say,  in  our  opinion,  a 
canal  of  30  feet  wide  and  5^  feet  deep,  may  be  worked 
through  any  limestone  quarry  known  in  this  country, 
for  jg;  16,000  per  mile. 

We  are,  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servants, 

MATTHEW  BROWN,  Jr. 

FRANCIS  BROWN. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  the  Hon.  Joshua  Forman^  first  Judge 
of  Onondaga  county^  dated  at  Onondaga,  20th  JVovember, 
1816,  and  addressed  to  the  President  of  the  board  of  Com- 
missioners. 

"  You  request  vAe  to  give  yon  a  statement  of  the  canal 
I  have  dug  for  mills  near  this  place.  I  cannot  give  you 
the  exact  length  or  total  cost  of  them,  but  the  data  I  can 
furnish  you,  will  enable  you  to  calculate  what  it  would 
produce  per  mile.  The  first  was  the  one  passing  the 
Turnpike  in  Onondaga  Hollow  ;  which  was  let  to  be 
dug  nearly  half  a  mile  in  length,  24  feet  wide  at  top,  and 
18  feet  at  bottom,  and  an  average  of  4  feet  deep,  at  the 
rate  of  50  cents  per  cord  of  128  cubic  feet  of  excavation. 
This  was  run  through  a  meadow  free  of  roots,  the  soil 
clay,  with  some  bars  of  gravel  crossing  the  canal  at 
bottom.  The  second  was  at  Selina,  which  was  about 
40  feet  wide  at  top  and  30  feet  at  bottom,  averaging  4 
feet  deep  through  uncleared  land,  and  the  soil  a  hard 
gravel,  at  seventy-five  cents  the  cord. 

The  last  was  about  60  rods,  18  feet  at  bottom  and 
about  3i  feet  deep,  through  an  alluvial  soil,  which,  after 
digging  down  2  feet,  proved  full  of  logs  and  quicksand, 
for  a  foot  or  more  above  a  hard  gravel.  This  was  let 
at  50  cents  the  cord,  but  the  contractor  complained  of 
the  unexpected  difficulty,  and  had  a  reasonable  allow- 


(     220     ) 

anee  made  him  of  about  12^  cents  per  cord.  As  to  the 
other  two,  the  first  did  not  make  more  than  ordinary- 
wages,  but  the  same  man  took  the  second,  and  made 
money  in  it." 

Copy  of  a  hetter  to  one  of  the  Commissioners^  from  Col.  Myn- 
derse,  who  lives  at  the  Seneca  Falls,  and  ivho  is  lar.gely  in- 
terested in  the  improvement  of  the  navigation  of  the  Seneca 
river,  now  partly  completed,  in  that  place  and  its  vicinity- 

Seneca  Falls,  11th  February,  1817. 
Dear  Sm, 

Your  favour,  of  the  17th  ult.  requesting  an  account 
of  the  improvements  making  in  the  navigation  of  the 
Seneca  river,  at  this  place,  came  duly  to  hand,  and 
would  have  been  early  noticed  but  for  the  absence  of 
Mr.  Lewis,  the  engineer  and  contractor,  and  Major  De- 
Zeng,  who  has  had  the  occasional  superintendence  of 
the  work.  These  gentlemen  being  alone  able  to  furnish 
the  information  required,  with  accuracy,  I  sent  them 
immediately,  on  receipt  of  your  letter,  a  transcript  of 
its  contents,  desiring  them  to  send  me  an  answer ;  but, 
not  hearing  from  them,  I  proceed  to  give  you  such  in- 
formation as  I  possess  on  the  subject.  I  regret  that  it 
is  not  in  my  power  to  be  more  particular  and  correct. 

There  are  nine  chamber  locks  and  three  guard  locks, 
contemplated  to  be  erected,  in  the  whole  distance,  to 
wit,  one  chamber  lock  of  about  2  feet  lift,  immediately 
at  the  outlet  of  the  Seneca  lake  ;  two  chamber  locks  at 
the  foot  of  the  canal  at  Scawyas,  of  about  9  feet  lift 
each  ;  one  chamber  lock  at  the  little  Scawyas  rapid, 
of  about  4  feet  lift ;  two  chamber  locks  at  the  Seneca 
Falls,  of  8^  feet  lift  each ;  one  lock  at  the  same  place, 
of  about  9i  feet  lift ;  one  other  lock,  at  the  same  place, 
of  8i  feet  lift,  and  one  chamber  lock,  at  the  foot  of  the 
Seneca  Falls  rapid,  of  about  5  feet  lift.  There  is  one 
guard  lock  at  the  entrance  of  the  canal  at  Scawyas; 
one  at  the  entrance  of  th6  upper  canal  of  the  Seneca 
Falls,  and  one  at  the  entrance  of  the  fourth  canal,  at 
the  same  place. 


(    221    ) 

Of  these,  three  are  completed,  one  guard  and  two 
chamber  locks,  at  Scawyas.  and  the  chamber  lock  at 
Little  Scawyas.  One  guard  lock  is  completed,  at  the 
Seneca  Falls,  and  two  chamber  locks  at  the  same  place 
are  nearly  completed,  and  the  site  of  another  is  exca- 
vated, and  the  materials  for  it,  are  on  the  ground,  pre- 
pared to  be  laid  up  early  in  the  spring.  Some  progress 
has  also  been  made  towards  the  three  remaining  locks. 

The  materials  with  which  these  locks  are  construct- 
ed are  stone ;  the  inner  face  of  the  walls  are  of  hewn 
stone  neatly  joined  and  well  incorporated  with  the 
body  of  the  walls,  which  are  laid  up  with  common 
lime-stone  found  on  the  spot,  in  good  lime-mortar  and 
grout. 

The  walls  of  the  locks  are  six  feet  in  thickness,  and 
supported  with  substantial  embankments  on  the  out- 
side. I  am  not  possessed  of  data  on  which  to  found 
an  accurate  estimate  of  the  cost  of  each  particular 
lock. 

The  whole  distance  of  excavation,  exclusive  of  the 
sites  of  the  locks,  is  as  follows ; 

1st.  A  canal  at  Scawyas,  on  the  Waterloo  side  of  the 
river.  This  canal  is  about  250  rods  in  length.  The 
expense  of  making  it  is  estimated  at  about.         ;^3000 

No  rock  or  other  hard  substance,  was  met  with  in 
digging  this  canal. 

2d.  A  canal,  at  commencing  at  the  dam,  near  the  head 
of  the  Seneca  Falls  rapid.  This  canal  is  36  rods  in 
length,  and  is  conducted  along  a  lime-stone  ledge. 
One  of  its  embankments  is  altogether  artificial :  It  is 
faced  on  both  sides  with  stone,  to  prevent  wear  by  the 
fall  of  rains  or  otherwise.  Extraordinary  expense 
was  incurred  in  making  this  canal,  owing  to  the  stony 
nature  of  the   soil.    The  cost  was  about  $900. 

3d.  A  canal  of  about  22  rods  long  is  not  quite  finish- 
ed; will  cost  about  $3oO. 

4th.  A  canal,  together  with  a  low  dam  of  about  150 
feet  long  across  the  river,  is  about  1 02  rods  in  length, 
and  cost  including   the  said  dam  about  $1200 

A  mill-race  was  used  for  a  part  of  this  canal,  by 
which  the  expense  was  considerably  lessened. 


(    222    ) 

5th.  This  canal,  which  will  be  about  40  rods  in  length, 
must  for  about  one  half  of  its  length  be  cut  to  a  consi- 
derable depth  into  a  slate  rock.  Nothing  has  yet  been 
done  to  it.     It  will  cost  at  least  $  1000 

6th.  This  canal  will  be  about  120  rods  long,  but  from 
the  favourable  nature  of  the  ground  it  may  be  easily 
made.     It  cannot  cost,  to  exceed  j^lOOO 

The  canals  are  to  contain  at  all  times  three  feet  of 
water,  and  are  to  be  24  feet  wide  at  the  bottom,  and  not 
less  than  30  feet  on  the  surface  of  the  water. 

There  are  three  dams  thrown  across  the  river,  of 
from  3  to  4  feet  in  height,  constructed  of  stone  and  tim- 
ber. Each  cost  about  ^400.  The  principal  dam  is  at 
the  head  of  the  Seneca  rapids — is  about  200  feet  in 
length,  10  feet  high  and  10  feet  thick  at  the  base,  dimi- 
nishing towards  the  top  to  3  feet.  This  dam  is  built  of 
stone  in  a  neat  and  substantial  manner,  and  gravelled 
on  the  upper  side.     It  cost,  I  understand,  ^1800. 

The  Seneca  lock  navigation  company  are  bound  to 
erect  two  bridges  over  the  canals,  where  they  intersect 
pubic  roads.  One  of  these  is  completed.  It  is  built 
with  stone  abutments,  and  covered  with  square  timber 
and  plank.     It  is  supposed  to  have  cost  ^150. 

The  other  bridge  is  to  be  built  in  the  same  manner, 
and  will  probably  cost  the  same  sum. 

The  extent  of  navigation  improved  by  these  locks 
and  canals,  from  the  Seneca  lake  to  the  lower  lock,  at 
the  foot  of  the  Seneca  rapids  is  about  12  miles.  The 
aggregate  amount  of  locking  is  about  64  feet.  The 
length  of  artificial  canalling  will  be  about  550  rods. 
The  bed  of  the  river  is  used  where  its  depth  of  water  is 
sufficient,  and  where  no  natural  obstructions  exist. 

The  locks  are  70  feet  in  length,  in  the  clear  between 
the  gates,  and  1 2  feet  in  width,  and  are  capable  of  pas- 
sing a  barge  of  20  tons  burden. 

The  stone  with  which  the  inner  walls  of  the  locks 
are  faced  are  obtained,  at  considerable  expense,  from  a 
quarry  near  the  head  of  the  Seneca  lake,  about  50  miles 
distant. 

The  whole  expense  of  making  this  navigation,  it  is 
calculated  will  amount  to  ^55,000 


(    223    ) 

It  certainly  will  not  exceed  ^60.000. 

Mr.  Lewis,  the  engineer,  although  very  able  and  com- 
petent to  such  works,  possessed  no  practical  knowledge 
of  the  subject  when  he  commenced  operations  here  : 
Much  expense  was  consequently  incurred  which  might 
and  would  have  been  avoided  had  he  had  more  expe- 
rience. I  feel  confident,  that  the  whole  work  might 
now,  with  the  experience  we  have  acquired,  be  done 
for  |45,000 

I  may  yet  receive  a  communication,  on  this  subject, 
from  Mr.  Lewis.  If  so,  and  it  should  contain  any  thing 
useful  to  you,  I  will  do  myself  the  honour  to  transmit 
it  to  you. 

I  am.  Dear  Sir,  your  very  obedient  servant, 

W.  MYNDERSE. 

Myron  Holley,  Esq. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  J  to  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Com- 
missioners., from  John  L.  Sullivan,  Esquire.,  who  has  per- 
sonally examined  the  most  celebrated  canals  in  England, 
France,  and  Holland;  has  had  the  charge  of  constructing 
several  short  cckals,  with  locks,  dams,  Sfc.  around  falls,  in 
the  JMerrimach  river,  and  has  for  eight  years  been  su^ 
perintendent  of  the  Middlesex  Canal,  in  Massachusetts. 

Albany,  March  7,  1817. 
The  Hon.  De  Witt  Clinton, 

President  of  the  Board  of  Canal  Commissioners. 
Sm, 

In  compliance  with  your  request  in  behalf  of  the 
board  of  commissioners,  1  have  given  all  the  attention 
in  my  power  at  this  time,  to  the  report  on  the  proposed 
canal,  and  shall  with  pleasure  proceed  to  state  my  im- 
pression of  the  estimates  in  general,  premising,  how- 
ever, that  without  seeing  the  ground,  it  would  be  pre- 
sumption to  offer  a  decisive  opinion  on  the  expense.  It  is 
therefore  with  the  utmost  deference  to  the  engineers, 
and  other  gentlemen  who  have  assisted  in  making  them, 
that  I  shall  express  mine,  from  a  comparis?"^  of  the  de- 
scription of  the  route  with  works  of  this  nature,  with 
which  I  am  intimately  acquainted. 


(    224    ) 

In  comparison  with  the  Middlesex  canal,  the  descrip- 
tion given  of  the  country  is  peculiarly  favourable ;  in 
the  proportion  I  should  think  of  three  to  one.  That  is 
for  the  whole  distance,  the  Middlesex  canal  per  mile 
is  three  times  as  difficult  or  expensive,  as  to  the  work 
to  be  done  by  excavation  and  embankment,  as  the 
New-York  state  canal  will  be.  And  none  of  the  heavy 
jobs  will  compare  with  what  has  been  often  done  in 
Europe.  In  making  the  comparison,  it  will  be  recol- 
lected, that  the  dimensions  of  the  canal  are  as  4  to  7  ; 
the  mean  width  and  depth  of  Middlesex  being  25  by  4 , 
your  canal,  3o  by  5. 

The  estimates  have  been  made  from  the  best  sources 
of  information  in  the  country,  and  from  experiments; 
I  conclude,  therefore,  that  the  easy-work  can  be  done 
accordingly,  but  it  would  cost  much  more  in  our  part 
of  the  country,  if  executed  without  the  aid  of  labour- 
saving  machinery,  as  wages  now  are. 

The  embankments  will,  I  believe,  generally  cost  three 
times  as  much  as  excavation ;  and  it  is  obvious  to  re- 
mark, that  where  they  are  extensive,  the  earth  to  form 
them  must  be  carried  the  whole  distance ;  and  the 
quantity  of  earth  required  will  very  much  exceed  in 
square  yards  at  the  place  whence  it  is  taken,  the  mea- 
surement of  the  bank.  No  doubt  the  Board  have  at- 
tended to  these  and  other  local  circumstances :  but  in 
the  estimate  the  difference  does  not  appear  to  be  suf- 
ficient. 

The  wasfe-wiers,  safty  gatcs^  and  other  constructions 
to  control  the  streams,  feeders,  &c.  not  expressly  con- 
tained in  the  estimates,  ought  not  I  think  to  have  been 
assigned  to  the  5  per  cent,  added  for  contingencies,  be- 
cause that  allowance  is  to  be  made  as  well  on  them 
as  on  other  objects  of  expenditure. 

The  allowance  of  10,000  dollars  per  lock  appears  to 
me  to  be  ample.  The  cost  of  the  aqueducts  depends 
on  so  many  local  circumstances,  that  I  can  only  say  it 
seems  to  me  very  probable  that  the  estimate  for  them 
is|high  enough;|constructed  of  stone  piers,  and  the  trunks 
of  wood ;  but  much  will  depend  on  the  previous  prepa- 


(    225    ) 

ration  and  the  season  of  the  year  in  which  the  work  is 
done. 

In  some  instances  the  digging  of  the  eastern  route  is 
represented  as  partly  light  and  partly  difficult.  Where 
the  pick  axe  is  to  be  used,  the  digging  will  cost  double 
what  it  will  where  it  may  be  done  by  the  shovel  alone  : 
or,  if  the  light  loam  or  sand  may  be  excavated  for  12 
to  20  cents,  hard  gravel  and  clay  should  be  estimated, 
in  my  opinion,  from  30  to  50  cents  per  yard. 

The  middle  and  western  sections  appear  to  be  on 
the  whole  high  enough.  The  eastern  to  Schoharie 
crosses  so  many  streams,  and  there  being  some  difficult 
digging,  and  considerable  wall  required  to  sustain  the 
banks  of  the  canal  and  adjacent  high  grounds,  that  I 
doubt  if  the  estimate  has  sufficiently  considered  all 
these  circumstances:  but  it  does  not  appear  to  be  on 
the  whole  a  more  difficult  route  than  that  of  the  Mid- 
dlesex in  proportion  to  its  distance ;  I  say  this,  how- 
ever, with  deference  to  the  gentlemen  of  the  board 
who  have  seen  both. 

But,  on  the  whole,  as  the  country  is  so  generally  fa- 
vourable, as  labour-saving  machines  can  be  used,  and 
as  there  will  probably  be  no  land  or  damages  to  pay 
for,  the  estimate  appears  to  be  high  enough. 

in  making  a  comparison  with  the  Middlesex  canal, 
having  no  minutes  with  me,  I  can  only  do  it  from  recol- 
lection. The  accounts,  while  this  canal  was  in  the 
process  of  construction,  were  not  kept  so  as  to  admit  of 
our  knowing  what  any  particular  piece  of  work  cost, 
analysis  of  it,  therefore,  will  be  wholly  from  judg- 
ment, formed  from  my  knowledge  of  the  ground,  and 
some  experience  in  other  places. 

The  Middlesex  canal  is  27  miles  in  length;  its  depth 
is  intended  to  carry  at  least  3  feet  of  water.  The  banks, 
where  formed,  are  meant  to  be  one  foot  above  the 
water.  The  width  generally  30  feet  on  the  surface,  and 
on  the  bottom  20  feet.  In  carrying  the  work  on,  it  was 
found  necessary  to  purchase  some  estates,  the  whole  of 
which  was  not  essential  to  the  canal.  The  lands  were 
generally  paid  for,  where  most  valuable.     There  was 

20 


(    226    ) 

some  considerable  expense  attending  litigations,  and 
perhaps  some  mistakes,  which  are  not  likely  to  happen 
in  the  proposed  work.  The  whole  expense  in  assess- 
ments has  been  520,000  dollars ;  not  including  the  ap- 
plication of  income  for  several  years  past,  in  renova- 
ting and  completing  it,  and  the  buildings,  wharves, 
&c.  necessary  to  the  business.  As  neither  of  these 
objects  of  expenditure  apply  to  the  present  question, 
I  shall  leave  them  out,  and  also  deduct  50,000  dollars 
as  havimg  been  applied  to  the  other  works  leading  to 
the  principal  canaL 


Analysis  of  the  cost  of  Middlesex  Canal,  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts 


Description  of  the  Levels 


Em- 

.  bank- 

ment. 


1st.  In  Charlestown, 

The  mille  and  contiguous  land — re- 
serving tke  part  used  for  the  land' 
ing, 

1st  lock  in  the  tide, 

2d  lock  in  the  tide, 

Digging  the  first  level  "about  600 
feet  in  length,  say, 

3d   lock.      (All    the   locks  except 
those  at  Chelmsford,    consist  of 
walls  to  sustain  the  banks   of  the 
lock  pit, 
containing  (  in  length  100  feet, 

300         ^      height  12, 
perches.      (     thickness  3, 
In  most  instances  the  stone  were 
brought  from  a  distance. 
The  frame  of  the  locks  were  of 
yellow  pine,   then  considered  as 
durable  as  white  oak ;  and  as  ex- 
pensive.    The  gates  were  of  oak 
The  length   of  the   wood   work 
about  100  feet.     The  width   11 
feet  at  top  and  10  at  bottom.   The 

■  lift  generally  8  feet. 
Zd  Level. 

T»  1  mile  through  valuable  clay 
.land,  containing  about  10  acres 
at  500 

2d  mile,  300 

3d  mile,  300 

4th  mile,  200 

Where  the  excavation  is  of  the  ordi- 
nary depth  of  four  feet,  I  will  as- 
sume the  contents  to  be  30,000 
cubic  yards,  1st  2  miles,  I  esti- 
mate the  excavation  at  20  cts. 

Extra  excavation  for  basins,  15,000 
yards,  at  25  cents, 

2  miles  of  embankment  of  50  cents, 
including  the  excayation  of  some 
stone,  30,000 

A  Culverts, 

10  Bridges,  1 

1  Aqueduct  ]  10  feet  in  length,  sur- 
face of  water,  10  feet  above   the 
tide,  standing  on  3  piers,  2  abut- 
ments. 
Height  of  them  12  feet, 

20  feet  length,     ' 
average  6  feet  thick. 
300  perch  at  3  dollars,  the  stone 
being  brought  from  some  distance 
Materials,  pine. 
Carpentry. 
Piling  the  ends,  labour,  &c. 


1st  4  miles,  Ist  and  2d  levels, 

Sd  Level. 
1  lock 
2  miles,  at  20  cents,  (easy) 
1  mile  at  40  cts.  deep,  (easy) 
30  acres  at  100  dollars, 
1  Culvert, 
1  Aqueduct,  twice  as  large  as  the 
former, 

1st  7  mile*. 


vations 


Locks. 


1000 


Aque 
ducts, 


7000 
3000 


12,000. 


5000 


verts. 


(Lands 
[Bridges    and 
Extras 


10,000 


5000 
6000 
2009 


400 


3000 


3000 


30,000 


13,000 


12,000 
12,000 


30,000  37,000  lO.OOOj 


13,000 
3000 


3000 


6000 


$000 


3750 


400 


100 


500 


3000 


26,750 


3000 


3000  29,750 


Em. 

Exca- 

Aque=^ 

Cul- 

Land5 

Description  of  the  Levels. 

bank- 
ment 

vations 

Locks. 

lucts 

verts. 

Bridges 

& 
Extras 

30,000 

37,000 

18,000 

9000 

500 

3000 

29,750 

4th  Level,  3  1-2  Miles. 

3  Locks, 

9000 

2  miles  at  20  cts. 

12,000 

1-2  mile   at  60  cents,  25  feet  deep 

part  of  the  way. 

9000 

13,000 

3  culverts  and  2  wasteways, 

600 

Land  30  acres  at  50  dollars, 
2  Bridges, 

500 

1st  JO  Miles, 

30,000 

58,000 

27,000 

9000 

ii.O!    3i;00 ',31,250 

5th  Level,  6  Miles. 

S  miles  at  20  cts. 

18,000 

1  mile  at  60  cts. 

18,000 

2  miles  of  bank,  average  40 

24,000 

7  culverts,  and  waste-ways, 

^  Aqueduct, 

2000 

1000 

Laud, 

1800 

Extra  excavation  of  rock, 

54,000 

3500 

1000 

1st  16  miles, 

97,000 

27,000 

11,000 

2100 

34,050 

Gfh  Level,  2  Miles 

Excavation,  1  mile. 

6000 

Embankment,  1  mile,  60  cts. 

18,000 

1  Lock, 

9000 

4  Bridges, 

1  small  Aqueduct, 

2000 

1200 

20  acres  at  30  dollars, 

4700 

600 

1st  18  miles. 

72,000 

100000 

30,000 

13,000 

2100 

34,650 

Tth  Level,  5  Miles. 

3  miles  excavation,  20 

18,000 

2  miles  embankment,  40 

24,000 

1  Aqueduct, 
1  Lock, 
6  Bridges, 

3060 

10,000 

18000 

8  Culverts, 

8O0 

Land  50  acres  at  li  dollars, 

750 

Excavation  of  rock,  say  3000 

perch,  at  5  dollars. 

15,009 

1  Guard  Lock  therein, 

1000 

1st  22  miles   canal,  including  the 

121000 

34,000 

23,000 

2900 

6500 

50,400 

tide  work  at  Charlestown, 

96,000 

Concord  River. 

First  purchase  of  mill  site, 

10,000 

Improvement, 
Dam, 

10,000 
1000 

Sth  Level,  S  Miles. 

1  Guard  Lock,  excavated   in    the 

Ledge ;    (cost  uncertain)  no  wood 

5000 

1 

work  but  the  gates,  say 

Smiles  at 20 cts. 

18,000 

2  miles  emi-  ankmentj  at  40 

24,00(] 

2  A<jueducts, 
6  Culverts, 

10,000 

60C 

6  Bridges, 

1800 

3  stone  Locks, 

15,000 

Excavation  of  the  basin. 

Purchase  of  laad  and  erection  o 

1000 

Stores, 

. 

3000 

27  Miles, 

12000C 

)ll3900e 

54,000 

33,000 

3500 

8300 

75,400 

Omittei  3300 


11,600 


(     229     ) 

Summary  of  the  different  divisions   of  expenditure  on  the 
Middlesex  Canal. 

Lands  and  extraordinary  purchases,  and 

excavation   of  rock —  $75,400 

Bridges,  (some  of  them  less  expensive)  1 1 ,600 

Culverts,  3,500 

Aqueducts,  33,000 

Locks,  54,000 

Excavation,  139,000 

Embankments,  120,000 


448,000 
Contingencies,  22,000 

470,000 
To  reduce  this  comparison  to  the  par  of  the  most  fa- 
vourable representation  of  the  proposed   canal,  the 
following  deductions  should  be  made — 
Lands  and  extras,  $75,400 

2-3  the  bridges,  7,000 

And  as  the  proporion  of  locks  is  as  1  to  5, 

so  1-5  would  be  $11,000 

To  which  add  for  superior 

size  and  quality,  10,000 


21,000 
Leaving  of  this  item  to  be  deducted     33,000 


115,000 
and  2-3  the  embankments  80,000 


In  all  $195,000 


which  deducted   from  470,000,  leaves  275,000 

Amount  brought  over,  being  cost  of  Middle- 
sex canal  divested  of  its  peculiarities, — 
equal  to  $  1 0,500  per  mile,  275,000 

At  this  rate,  the  New- York  state  canal  would 
cost  for  the  353  miles— at   $10,500  per 
mile,  or  3,706,500 


(    230    ) 

Allowance  for  increased  sjxe  of  the  trunk 
being  as  7  to  4— supposing  1-20  the  dis- 
tance to  be  embankment ;  leaving  330 
miles,  at  ^2,812  additional,  is  ^8(927,960 


:8!4,634,460 

In  this,  there  is  no  estimate  of  superior  workman- 
ship and  materials  in  the  aqueducts. 

If,  however,  it  were  presumed  that  the  route  might 
be  full  as  difficult  as  that  of  the  Middlesex,  the  esti- 
mate would  stand  thus : 
If  27  miles  cost  470,000  dollars,  353  miles 

would  cost  ;g!  6, 500,000 

To  which  add  for  increase  of  size  and 

depth   as  above,  927,960 

gS7,427,960 
And  to  this  is  to  be  added  the  superiority  of  work. 
But,  it  being  concealed  that  the  ground  is  on  the 
whole  more  favourable,  this  may  be  too  high — espe- 
cially as  the  Middlesex  was  not  excavated  by  ma- 
chines ;  but  labour  at  that  time  was  low.  Common  men 
had  from  ^8  to  ^10  per  month. 

p  The  works  to  extend  the  navigation  from  the  junc- 
tion of  the  canal  with  the  Merrimack,  up  that  river  to 
Concord,  New-Hampshire,  cost  as  follows,  viz.— ^ 

Wicasee  lock  and  canal,  thus  described. — A  rapid  for 
half  a  mile  between  an  island  and  the  western  shore,  is 
crossed  with  a  dam  of  stone  and  timber,  200  yards ;  this 
raises  the  water  above  about  a  foot,  which  saved  dig- 
ging on  the  other  side  of  the  island,  where  the  lock  is 
placed.  This  side  afforded  a  passage  for  high  water, 
six  rods  wide.  From  the  lock  to  its  entrance  is  1000 
feet.  This  place  was  encumbered  with  masses  of  rock 
of  every  size,  and  with  earth,  estimated  at  4000  square 
yards.  The  lock  is  placed  in  the  middle  of  the  stream; 
its  side-walls  are  100  feet  in  length,  connected  with  the 
shore  by  wing-walls,  each  about  50  feet.  The  wing- 
walls  are  faced  with  plank  driven  into  the  bottom,  and 
extended  into  the  shores.  The  walls  having  no  supportj 


(    231    ) 

were  necessarily  thick,  to  sustain  the  pressure  of  the 
lock,  and  the  shock  of  the  freshets.  They  are  1 2  feet 
high,  and  average  8  feet  thick  ;  contain  1200  perch. 
The  stone  was  split  out  large,  and  drawn  i  a  mile, 
loaded  for  the  most  part  on  to  a  boat  with  a  crane  and 
windlass,  and  thence  laid.  The  foundation  was  diffi- 
cult, the  bottom  was  encumbered  with  stones,  the  wa- 
ter from  2  to  7  feet  deep,  and  not  being  clear,  the  work 
of  deepening,  filling  up,  and  laying  the  walls  under  wa- 
ter, was  done  by  feeling,  diving,  &c. 

The  whole  expense  including  quantities  of  powder — 
much  iron,  boats,  utensils,  barracks,  bedding,  and  the 
dam,  was  14,000  dollars. 

The  labour  was  performed  by  about  100  men,  be- 
tween the  middle  of  July  and  November. 

Cromwell's  lock  is  similar,  with  120  rods  of  dam 
extending  to  the  head  of  the  rapid.  It  contains  about 
600  perch  of  stone,  brought  from  the  distance  of  a  mile. 
Whole  expense  about  g8,000  , 

Moors'  falls  has  two  locks,  with  200  rods  of 
dam.     Here  was  much  excavation  of  earth 
and  removal  of  stone,  15,000 

Coos,  a  similar  lock  with  less  dam,  5,000 

Goffslock,  7,000 

Short  falls,  6,000 

Griffin's,  4,000 

Merrill's  falls  lock,  10,000 

All  these  walls  were  of  split  stone,  difficult  to  be  got 
on,  and  much  iron  was  used. 

Amoskeig  canal  is  the  greatest  work  of  the  kind  on 
this  navigation.  The  fall  around  which  it  is  carried  is 
one  mile  in  length,  and  the  perpendicular  measurement 
45  feet.  2000  feet  is  excavated.  The  rest  of  stone 
and  dams.  The  whole  expense  is  uncertain  ;  but  the 
part  which  was  rebuilt  the  last  season,  may  serve  the 
purpose  of  comparison  in  some  measure,  viz.  three  locks 
connected  together,  each  100  feet  in  length,  from  10  to 
1 1  feet  wide,  lift  each  8  feet.  The  walls  of  one  side 
without  embankment,  the  other  with.  The  contents  of 
these  walls  being  8  feet  average  outside,  and  5  ieet 


(    232     ) 

average  inside — is  6    1-2,  say  7  feet  thick,  and  12  feet 
high,  will  be  2000  perch. 

The  old  work  was  first  removed ;  the  old  locks  were 
supported  by  wooden  ties  above;  few  of  the  stone  an- 
swered anew. 

The  stone  were  split,  carted  half  a  mile,  loaded  on 
to  boats,  brought  down  six  miles,  unloaded  on  a 
platform,  loaded  on  to  trucks,  brought  three  hundred 
feet  to  the  locks,  unloaded  on  a  stage,  then  worked 
into  the  walls. 

The  drought  of  last  season,  impeded  the  boating 
considerably  The  locks  are  of  white  oak  timber,  and 
white  pine  plank,  the  whole  of  the  best  workmanship 
of  the  kind. 

The  expense,  including  wages,  boarding,  spirits, 
implements,  and  materials,  was  little  more  than  10,000 
dollars. 

Hookseld  Cawa/ consists  of  two  locks,  two  basins,  and 
a  guard  gate  and  stone  dam.  The  stone  was  got  out  and 
boated  over  the  river.  There  was  considerable  excava- 
tion, (including  the  purchase  of  a  mill-seat.)  The  whole 
expense  has  been  15,000  dollars. 

Bow  Canal  is  a  work  of  uncommon  difficulty  and 
variety.  The  perpendicular  fall  is  25  feet.  Near  its 
upper  entrance,  a  dam  is  thrown  across  the  river, 
which  is  here  200  yards  wide.  The  guard  gates  are 
supported  by  stone  abutments,  14  feet  high.  One  half 
of  the  first  300  feet  was  ledge  6  feet  deep,  and  20  feet 
wide,  say  1 400  perch. 

The  next  300  feet  was  made  by  an  embankment  sup- 
ported by  a  wall  12  feet  high,  6  feet  at  bottom,  and  4 
at  top,standing  in  the  river,  containing  about  800  perch. 

The  next  250  feet  is  carried  through  a  hill  or  ledge 
of  rock,  of  a  slaty  kind,  but  hard  enough  to  be  blast- 
ed, 12  feet  wide  and  16  deep,  containing  about  2000 
perch  of  excavation,  1900  yards. 

The  next  300  feet  is  excavated  in  gravel,  on  the  slope 
of  a  hill,  sustained  on  one  side  by  a  wall  8  feet  high,  4 
at  bottom  and  2  at  top,  battering  back  more  than  usual. 

Then  comes  the  three  locks,  each  90  feet  in  length. 


(     233     ) 

containing  about  2000  perch.  The  lower  lock  is  set 
4  feet  below  the  low  water  mark.  It  was  necessary  to 
keep  the  pit  clear  bj  bailing  and  pumping.  From  the 
locks  a  low  water  channel  was  made  The  stone  were 
drawn  from  a  quarter  to  half  a  mile,  after  being  split. 
This  work,  including  the  purchase  of  5  acres  of  land, 
cost  21,000  dollars.  ' 

These  canals  give  a  net  income  of  6,  7,  8  per  cent, 
and  are  increasing  fast  in  productiveness. 

The  Middlesex  gave  32,000  dollars,  or  about  3  per 
cent,  net  income. 

The  following  general  observations  may  not  be  un- 
acceptable to  the  board. 

It  is  found  to  have  been  bad  economy  on  the  Middle- 
sex canal,  to  have  constructed  any  thing  of  perishable 
materials.  Had  all  the  locks  been  laid  in  cement,  and 
constructed  in  the  best  manner,  the  property  would 
have  yielded  dividends  of  income,  and  sustained  its 
prospective  value  to  a  higher  degree  than  at  present. 

The  canal  will  be  interrupted  for  three  weeks,  the 
ensuing  summer,  to  put  up  a  new  aqueduct  over  Shaw- 
shine  river.  Other  similar  interruptions  may  be  ex- 
pected, whenever  the  other  aqueducts  and  locks  must 
be  rebuilt.  If  the  winter  season  is  taken  for  the  work, 
it  will  be  more  difficult  and  more  expensive. 

Probably  for  50  per  cent  additional  for  the  aque- 
ducts, they  may  be  made  of  iron.  Were  it  double,  I 
should  still  deem  it  the  best  economy. 

If  this  communication,  which  is  very  hasty  and  im- 
perfect, can  be  of  any  use  to  the  board,  I  shall  have 
much  pleasure  in  the  reflection  of  having  contributed, 
in  any  degree,  to  the  great  object  of  their  attention. 
With  the  highest  respect, 

I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obed't.  serv't, 
JNO.  L.  SULLIVAN'. 
Albany,  March  8?A,  1817. 
Sir. 

The  joint  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the 
report  of  the  commissioners  constituted  by  the  act  to 
provide  for  the  improvement  of  the  internal  navigation 

30 


(    234    ) 

of  this  state,  wishing  to  avail  themselves  of  the  oppoi^tii- 
nitj  now  offered,  request  the  commissioners  (though 
the  information  required  does  nor  form  a  part  of  their 
official  duties)  to  assist  them  in  completing  such  a  sys- 
tem of  finance  as  will  meet  the  contemplated  improve- 
ments, and  best  subserve  the  pubhc  interest,  with  the 
least  possible  burthen  upon  the  people. 
I  am  sir, 

Your  humble  servant, 

WM.  D.  FORD,  Chairman. 
To  the  Hon.  De  Witt  Clinton, 
President  of  the  Board  of  Commissioners. 

Albany,  lOth March,  i^ll . 
Sir, 

The  canal  commissioners  had  the  honour  of  re- 
ceiving your  letter,  of  the  8th  instant,  requesting  theit 
opinion,  on  the  best  plans  of  ways  and  means  for  mak- 
ing the  Erie  and  Champlain  canals. 

It  will  require  considerable  time  to  prepare  and  di- 
gest a  complete,  judicious,  and  well  organized  system 
of  finance,  for  those  important  objects.  And  perhaps 
the  session  is  so  far  advanced,  that  the  legislature  will 
not  be  able  to  bestow  that  attention  on  it,  which  their 
duty  inculcates,  and  which  the  public  interests  demand. 

But  the  commissioners  have  no  hesitation  ic  stating, 
that  these  important  communications  can  be  opened 
without  any  direct  tax ;  that  the  resources  of  the  state 
are  abundantly  ample  ;  and  that  a  preliminary  arrange- 
ment may  be  made,  which  will  answer  every  desirable 
purpose. 

Notwithstanding  the  perfect  conviction  of  the  com- 
missioners, that  these  canals  can  be  made  without  any 
serious  inconvenience  to  the  financial  operations  of  the 
state,  yet  they  are  persuaded,  that  it  is  due  to  the  coun- 
sels of  prudence,  to  bring  the  solidity  of  their  opinions 
to  the  touchstone  of  experiment,  before  the  whole  sys- 
tem is  undertaken. 

Under  this  impression,  the  commissioners  recom- 
mend the  adoption  of  immediate  measures  for  pur- 


(    235    ) 

chasing  the  interest  of  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Navi-- 
gation  Company;  for  commencing  and  completing  a 
canal  navigation  between  Rome  and  the  Seneca  river, 
and  between  lake  Champlain  and  the  Hudson  river  at 
a  convenient  point  below  Baker's  falls. 

If  the  middle  section  of  the  western  canal  is  made 
before  the  rights  of  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Naviga- 
tion Company  are  purchased,  it  may  induce  the  latter, 
in  consequence  of  the  increased  value  of  their  proper- 
ty, to  rise  in  their  demands.  And  if  the  state,  after  a 
fair  trial  of  the  experiment,  shall  only  complete  the 
canals  now  proposed,  and  proceed  no  further  in  the 
whole  work,  yet  these  partial  operations  will  open  va- 
luable and  important  communications,  and  be  greatly 
beneficial  to  the  community. 

The  commissioners  being  of  opinion,  that  those  de- 
signated objects  can  be  accomplished,  in  two  or  three 
years,  and  at  an  expense  not  exceeding  one  million 
and  a  half  of  dollars,  would  respectfully  recommend, 
that  a  board  of  commissioners,  to  be  denominated  the 
commissioners  of  the  fund  for  internal  improvements, 
be  constituted ;  that  it  consist  of  the  comptroller,  the 
secretary,  the  attorney  general,  the  surveyor  general, 
and  the  treasurer ;  and  that  the  powers  and  duties  of 
the  said  board  shall  embrace  the  following  objects  : 

1st.  To  borrow  on  the  credit  of  the  state  a  sum  not 
exceeding  a  million  and  a  half  of  dollars  by  the  crea- 
tion of  funded  debt,  with  interest  at  six  per  cent,  pay- 
able semi-annually,  and  the  principal,  reimbursable  in 
twenty  years,  or  at  any  time  before,  in  the  option  of 
the  state. 

2d.  The  said  commissioners  shall  keep  an  account  of 
all  monies  received  for  the  said  fund,  which  monies  shall 
be  kept  in  the  treasury  of  the  state,  and  shall  pay  over 
from  time  to  time,  such  monies  as  shall  be  required  for 
the  execution  of  the  powers  committed  to  them,  by  the 
commissioners  constituted  by  the  act  to  provide  for  the 
improvement  of  the  internal  navigation  of  this  state. 

3d.  The  said  commissioners  of  the  fund  shall  as  soon 
as  the  said  purchase,  or  the  whole  or  any  part  of  the 


(       236    ) 

said  works  is  completed,  have  power  to  establish  and 
receive  reasonable  tolls,  and  to  take  all  the  necessary 
measures  for  that  purpose. 

4th,  The  annual  application  of  60,000  dollars  of  the 
monies  arising  from  auction  duties,  and  the  whole  of  the 
monies  which  the  state  may  derive  from  the  sale  of  un- 
appropriated lands,  shall  be  pledged  for  the  payment 
of  the  said  debt  and  the  interest  thereof,  and  shall  be 
received,  by  the  said  commissioners^  and  applied  to 
that  purpose.  And  they  shall  have  power  to  apply  any 
unappropriated  money,  in  the  Treasury,  to  make  good 
any  deficiency  or  suspension,  in  the  payment  of 
the  said  funds,  or  to  borrow  on  the  faith  of  the  state 
any  monies  that  may  be  necessary,  to  be  reimbursed 
from  the  said  funds  when  the  same  shall  be  received. 

5th.  The  said  commissioners  shall,  at  the  opening 
of  the  next  session  of  the  legislature,  report  a  plan  of 
finance,  for  the  execution  of  the  whole  of  the  said  canals 
and  also  of  a  sinking  fund,  for  the  extinguishment  of  the 
debt. 

The  commissioners  have  proposed  this  plan  for  the 
following  reasons : 

1st.  In  a  free  government,  where  the  people  compose 
the  sovereign  authority,  it  is  chimerical  to  contemplate 
the  execution  of  a  stupendous  plan  of  internal  naviga- 
tion, without  the  adoption  of  a  wise  and  economical 
system,  which  shall  conciliate  the  affections,  and  se- 
cure the  favourable  opinion  of  those  who  are  the  source 
of  all  legitimate  power.  To  attempt  to  raise  by  taxa- 
tion the  whole  sum  as  it  will  be  required,  will  impose 
a  burthen  on  the  people  which  wiil  be  destructive  of 
the  project. 

2d.  The  annual  revenue  of  the  state  is  now  upwards 
of  924,000  dollars,  and  its  ordinary  expenses  about 
547,000  dollars,  leaving  a  surplus  of  near  400,000  dol- 
lars, applicable  to  extraordinary  demands  on  the  trea- 
sury, and  to  the  extinguishment  of  the  state  debt.  The 
auction  duties,  for  the  last  year,  amounted  to  about 
160,000  dollars.  Sixty  thousand  dollars  of  this  fund  may 
be  therefore  appropriated  annually  to  the  payment  of 


(     237    ) 

interest  as  before  stated,  without  interfering  with  any 
other  claims,  and  without  any  inconvenience  to  the  trea- 
sury. It  will  be  also  recollected  that  the  direct  tax 
of  the  United  States,  which  last  year  drew  from  our 
treasury  $365,620  38,  has  ceased  to  operate. 

3d.  The  appropriations  before  mentioned  from  the 
duties  on  auctions,  and  the  partial  avails  of  the  sale  of 
public  lands,  will  be  at  least  equivalent  to  an  immediate 
grant  of  one  and  a  half  million  of  dollars.  On  a  sup- 
position that  the  western  canal  will  cost  five,  and  the 
northern,  one  million  of  dollars,  the  commissioners  of 
the  fund  for  internal  improvement,  will,  besides  devi- 
sing a  sinking  fund,  have  only  to  recommend  a  plan  for 
raising  270,000  dollars  annually,  being  the  interest  of 
4,500,000  dollars.  For  this  purpose,  the  following, 
among  many  other  subjects,  may  be  indicated :  and  it 
must  be  explicitly  understood,  that  as  only  an  annual 
revenue  of  90,000  dollars  will  be  required,  until  the 
canals  from  Rome  to  the  Seneca  river,  and  from  Lake 
Champlain  to  the  Hudson,  below  Baker's  falls,  are 
finished,  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  use  the  funds  now 
appropriated,  until  the  happening  of  those  events,  and 
that  they  will  be  of  course  in  a  state  of  rapid  accumu- 
lation. 

The  whole  of  the  unappropriated  lands  of  the  state, 
considering  the  value  of  several  villages,  and  of  the 
Indian  reservations,  and  the  quantity  on  hand,  may  be 
safely  estimated  at  two  millions  of  dollars.  If  the 
whole  were  sold  on  the  usual  credit,  the  annual  inte- 
rest would  bring  120,000  dollars. 

A  revenue  may  be  derived  from  steam-boats,  without 
injuring  the  proprietors,  to  the  amount  of  ^30,000  an- 
nually. 

The  income  from  the  salt  springs,  will  be  next  year 
about  ^10,000.  It  is  believed,  that  this  sum  may  be 
augmented,  without  the  least  inconvenience  to  the  com- 
munity, to  ^40,000. 

There  are  some  places,  which  will  be  benefitted  in 
an  extraordinary  degree,  by  the  canals.  An  annual 
assessment,  say  of  $50,000  on  them,  would  not  be  felt, 


( .23«  ) 

and  would  be  reasonable ;  and  it  might  be  continued 
until  the.present  grants  of  lotteries  shall  be  satisfied, 
when  that  sum  might  be  raised  by  substituting  lotteries. 
The  donations  already  made,  and  which  may  be  rea- 
sonably expected,  will  probably  amount  to  a  million  of 
dollars  in  value. 

The  revenue,  originating  from  the  few  sources  here 
pointed  out,  will  be  amply  sufficient  to  meet  the  whole 
sum  required,  which  is  360,000  dollars  annually,  or  the 
interest  of  ,0,000,000. 

Auction  duties,  -  -  -  -  »  ^60,000 
Sales  of  public  lands,  -  -  -  -  120,000 
Steam-boats,  ------        30,000 

Salt  springs, -        40,000 

Assessments  and  Lotteries,  -  -  -  50,000 
Donations, 60,000 


P60,000 

It  is  admitted  that  the  whole  of  this  property  cannot 
at  once,  be  rendered  productive;  but  it  must  also  be 
conceded,  that  it  can  be  rendered  so,  contemporane- 
ously, at  least,  with  the  exigencies  that  will  require  it. 

As  soon  as  the  canals,  or  any  important  section  of 
them  are  completed,  a  great  revenue  will  accrue  to  the 
state,  which  will  speedily  extinguish  the  whole  debt; 
and  this  will  arise  in  tw  o  ways. 

1st.  From  the  artificial  mill  sites,  and  the  infinite 
variety  of  hydrauhc  uses,  to  which  the  surplus  waters 
may  be  applied,  but  these  privileges  ought  never  to  be 
sold  in  perpetuity,  but  leased,  and  kept  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  state ,  so  that  no  individual  can  gain  an  in- 
terest in  them,  that  may  become  prejudicial  to  the 
public. 

2d.  From  the  imposition  of  light  tolls  or  transit  du- 
ties, on  vessels  and  cargoes  descending  the  canals,  to 
be  increased  on  those  ascending. 

The  late  Mr.  Fulton,  from  data  furnished  by  the 
custom-house,  calculated  that  400,000  tons  of  freight 
are  annually  carried  on  the  Hudson.  And  from  a  com- 
parison between  the  country  trading  on  that  river,  with 


(    239    ) 

the  territory  embraced  by  the  western  canal,  he  esti- 
mated that  there  would  be  annually  transported  on  the 
latter,  one  million  tons  of  commodities.  He  further 
was  of  opinion  that  the  cost  of  transportation  on  the 
canal  from  Buffalo  to  Albany  would  be  three  dollars 
and  fifty-three  cents  a  ton,  and  from  Albany  to  New- 
York,  two  dollars  and  fifty  cents  a  ton.  A  toll  of  fifty 
cents  a  barrel,  or  twenty-five  cents  a  hundred  on  mer- 
chandise, would  amount  on  a  ton  to  five  dollars,  mak- 
ing eleven  dollars  and  three  cents  for  the  expense  of 
carrying  a  ton  on  the  whole  route,  or  one  dollar  and 
ten  cents  for  a  barrel  of  flour,  which  would  be  by  no 
means  burthensome  or  oppressive,  when  we  consider, 

1st.  That  the  present  cost  of  transportation  by  land, 
from  Buffalo  to  Albany,  is  $  100  a  ton. 

2d.  That  the  toll  now  paid,  for  a  barrel  of  flour, 
passing  the  locks  of  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Naviga- 
tion Company,  the  distance  of  only  one  hundred  miles, 
is  fifty-two  cents,  and  for  a  ton  of  goods  five  dollars 
and  twenty-five  cents,  besides  a  considerable  duty  up- 
on the  vessels.  The  same  charge,  for  the  whole  extent 
of  the  western  canal,  a  distance  of  353  miles,  which 
is  now  made  by  that  company  for  less  than  one-third 
of  the  distance,  would  in  a  short  time  produce  the  enor- 
mous income  of  $.§,000,000;  but  lowering  the  duty  to 
one  dollar  a  ton,  the  whole  expense  of  this  magnificent 
operation  would  be  defrayed  in  a  few  years,  and  an  im- 
mense revenue  would  be  secured  to  the  state,  which 
would  enable  it  to  patronize  literature  and  science ;  to 
promote  education,  morality,  and  religion;  to  encour- 
age agriculture,  manufactures,  and  commerce,  and  to 
establish  the  interests  of  human  improvement  upon  an 
imperishable  basis,  and  to  an  incalculable  extent. 

We  have  the  honour  to  be  most  respectfully. 
Your  most  obedient  servants, 
By  the  Commissioners, 

DE  WITT  CLINTON,  President. 
Wm.  D.  Ford,  Esq. 

Chairman  of  the  Joint  Commitiee  of  the 
Senate  and  Assembly^  oh  Canals. 


(     240      ) 

Copy   of  a  letter  to   William   Bayard^  Esq.  relative  to   a 
loan  of  money. 

JYew-York,'23dMay,lSlQ. 
Sir, 

The  commissioners  appointed  for  the  purpose  of 
reporting  to  the  legislature,  on  the  subject  of  a  canal 
navigation  between  Lakes  Erie  and  Champlain,  and 
Hudson's  river,  are  directed,  with  a  view  to  the  ac- 
complishment of  those  important  objects,  to  ascertain 
whether  a  loan  of  money  can  be  obtained  on  the  credit 
of  the  state  of  New-York,  and  also  the  terms  of  such 
loan. 

The  commissioners,  having  full  confidence  in  your 
disposition  to  promote  this  great  undertaking,  and  in 
your  ability  to  obtain  the  information  required,  solicit 
your  early  attention  to  this  subject,  and  beg  leave  to 
indicate  the  following  points  as  material  to  the  inquiry ; 
the  amount  of  the  sum  that  can  be  loaned ;  the  rate  of 
interest ;  the  place  where  the  interest  is  to  be  paid ; 
and  the  duration  of  the  loan. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obed't  serv't, 
DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
In  behalf  of  the  Commissioners. 
Wm.  Bayard,  Esq.  " 


FORMS  OF  CESSIOiNS  OF  LANDS. 

Whereas  the  Legislature  of  the  state  of  New-York, 
by  an  act  entitled  "  An  act  to  provide  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  Internal  Navigation  of  the  State,"  passed 
April  17,  1816,  did  appoint  Commissioners  authorisedi 
and  required  (among  other  things)  to  make  applica- 
tion in  behalf  of  the  People  of  this  state,  for  cessions, 
grants,  or  donations  of  lands,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding 
in  the  construction  of  a  contemplated  Canal  to  connect 
the  waters  of  Lake  with  the  navigable 

waters  of  the  Hudson  River :  Now  therefore,  in  con- 
sideration of  the  benefits  which  will  result  to  commu- 


(   241    ) 

nity  in  general,  and  to  myself  in  particular :  And  also, 
in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  one  dollar  to  me  in  hand 
paid  by  the  said  commissioners  in  behalf  of  the  said 
state,  I  hereby,  for  myself  and  my  heirs,  give,  grant, 
cede,  and  for  ever  transfer  to  the  People  of  the*  state 
of  New- York,  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  the  following 
piece  or  parcel  of  land,  to  wit : 

Provided  however,  that  if  the  said  Canal  shall  not  be 
completed  within  twenty  years  from  the  date  hereof, 
then  the  above  granjfc  and  the  cession  hereby  made 
shall  be  null  and  void. 

Date3:^bis^  day  of  one 

thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixteen. 

SIGNED,  SEALED,  AND  DELIVERED, 
IN  THE  PRESENCE  OF 

^^ 

#  Whereas  the  Legislature  of  the  state  of  New-York, 
by  an  Act,  entitled  "  An  Act  to  provide  for  the  im- 
provement of  the  internal  Navigation  of  this  state," 
passed  April  17,  1816,  did  appoint  Commissioners 
authorized  and  required  (among  other  things)  to  make 
application  in  behalf  of  the  People  of  this  state,  for 
cessions,  grants,  or  donations  of  land,  for  the  purpose 
of  aiding  in  the  construction  of  a  contemplated  Canal 
to  connect  the  waters  of  Lake  with  the 

navigable  waters  of  the  Hudson  River :  And  whereas, 
it  is  supposed  that  the  said  Canal  will  pass  through 
lands  belonging  to  me,  Now  therefore,  in  considera- 
tion of  the  benefits  which  will  be  conferred  upon  all 
who  own  real  property  in  the  vicinity  of  the  said  Canal, 
and  upon  myself  in  particular :  And  also  in  considera- 
tion of  the  sum  of  one  dollar  to  me  in  hand  paid  by  the 
said  Commissioners  in  behalf  of  the  said  state,  I  here- 
by, for  myself  and  my  heirs,  give,  grant,  cede,  and  for 
ever  transfer  to  the  People  of  the  state  of  New- York, 
all  the  lands  belonging  to  me  which  shall  be  necessarily 
occupied  by  the  site  of  the  said  Canal,  and  also  by  the 

31 


(     242     ) 

site  of  the  Towing  Paths,  Feeders,  Aqueducts,  Reser- 
voirs, Spoil  Banks,  and  Culverts  connected  therewith. 
Dated  this  day  of  one 

thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixteen. 

SIGNED,  SEALED,  AND  DELIVERED, 
IN  THE  PRESENCE  OF 


In  Assembly,  3J arch  19,  ISll. 
REPORT 

OF    THE 

JOINT  COMMITTEE  ON  THE  SUBJECT  OF  THE  CANALS. 


The  joint  Committee,  to  whom  were  referred  the  report  of  the 
Commissioners  appointed^  the  act  for  the  improvement  of 
the  internal  navigation  of  mis  State,  with  the  documents 
thereto  annexed,  and  the  minutes,  draughts,  maps,  and 
profiles  of  the  engineers  employed  by  the  said  Commis- 
sioners, relating  to  the  contemplated  Canals  from  Lake  Erie 
to  the  Hudson,  and  from  Lake  Champlain  to  the  same, 

Respectfully  Report — . 

That  they  have  applied  their  best  faculties  to  the 
investigation  of  the  important  subjects  submitted  to 
them  ,•  and  the  result  has  been  a  settled  conviction, 
that  the  highest  interests  of  this  state  require,  of  the 
Legislature,  the  adoption  of  suitable  measures  for  the 
iinmediate  commencement  of  these  canals. 

The  minute  and  copious  detail  of  facts,  stated  by 
the  Commissioners,  in  relation  to  the  length,  direction, 
location,  and  dimensions  of  these  canals,  the  difficulties 
and  facilities  occurring  throughout  the  course  of  each, 
and  the  manner  of  construction  recommended  for  the 
various  works  necessary  to  their  completion,  appears 


(    243    ) 

to  your  committee  to  be  very  satisfactory.  In  esti- 
mating the  expense  of  these  great  undertakings,  it  was 
not  to  be  supposed  that  no  errors  would  be  committed ; 
and  it  is  probable  that  for  some  items,  the  estimates 
will,  in  the  application  of  them  to  practice,  be  found 
too  low,  and  for  others  too  high.  The  aggregate 
amount  of  these  estimates,  however,  as  well  as  many 
particulars  which  compose  it,  seems  to  be  well  war- 
ranted, by  the  different  data  appended  to  the  report  of 
the  commissioners.  And  your  committee  have  observed 
with  great  pleasure^  that  the  benefits  of  actual  experi- 
ment, in  regard  to  most  of  the  expenses  incidental  to 
the  construction  of  canals,  is  far  more  extensively  fur- 
nished by  our  own  country  than  is  generally  imagined. 

If  then,  it  is  rationally  established,  that  the  expenses 
of  the  western  canal  will  not  differ  materially  from  five 
millions,  and  those  of  the  northern  canal  from  one  mil- 
lion of  dollars,  is  it  best  for  the  state  of  New-York  im- 
mediately to  engage  in  the  accomplishment  of  these 
measures  ? 

This  state  is  favourably  situated  for  the  encourage- 
ment of  every  public  interest.  It  contains  inexhausti- 
ble quantities  of  salt,  gypsum,  and  iron  ore,  with  a 
great  variety  of  other  valuable  materials  for  manufac- 
turing establishments.  The  thirty  million  acres  of  its 
territory  offer  to  agricultural  industry  no  uncertain  or 
penurious  reward.  An  unrivalled  river  navigation  for 
more  than  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles  terminating  on 
the  sea-board,  at  a  port  which  is  capacious,  healthy, 
and  easy  of  access;  its  interior  boundary  line,  passing 
for  more  than  half  its  length  through  the  waters  of  Erie, 
Ontario,  and  Champlain,  and  the  numerous  navigable 
lakes  included  within  its  limits,  afford  to  its  citizen^  the 
most  decided  commercial  advantages. 

In  such  circumstances,  its  prosperity  is  not  surpris- 
ing. It  was  to  be  expected,  that  under  the  direction  of 
prudence  and  patriotism,  its  wealth,  population,  and 
security  would  be  rapidly  advanced.  And  this  ad- 
vance, which  is  every  where  observable,  is  not  the  less 
gratifying  because  it  was  natural  and  probable.     It  is, 


(    244    ) 

on  that  account,  more  likely  to  be  permanent.  But 
has  it  not  nearly  reached  its  maximum,  with  respect  to 
the  southern  and  middle  district,  unless  some  new 
means  of  aiding  it  are  speedily  discovered  and  applied? 
Considerable  portions  of  these  districts  are  now  almost 
replete  with  inhabitants,  who  by  their  industry  and 
enterprise,  have  taken  possession,  and  made  the  most, 
of  nearly  all  the  bounties  which  nature  has  spread  out 
before  them.  And  beyond  the  slow  progression  of 
improvement  to  be  produced  by  the  invention  of  happier 
methods  of  applying  labour,  and  the  more  perfect  di- 
vision of  mechanical  occupation,  what  will  enlarge  the 
borders  of  their  cities  and  villages  hereafter  ? 

As  the  eastern  and  western  districts  have  increased 
in  numbers  and  opulence,  they  have  loaded  the  Hud- 
son with  their  surplus  produce,  and  the  merchandise 
for  which  they  have  exchanged  it :  and  this  trade  has 
been  the  chief  aliment  of  all  the  increase  which  has 
latterly  been  exhibited  at  the  mouth  and  along  the 
banks  of  that  river.  But  the  remote  sections  of  these 
districts  are  contiguous  to  the  territory  of  a  foreign 
power,  and  are  washed  by  navigable  waters,  which 
flow  into  the  ocean  through  that  territory.  It  is  for 
the  interest,  and  will  therefore  be  the  policy  of  that 
power,  to  invite  commercial  intercourse  with  those 
sections.  Facilitated  by  the  course  of  their  streams, 
and  the  declivity  of  their  country,  our  citizens  have 
already  extensively  engaged  in  this  intercourse. — 
And,  if  nothing  is  done  to  divert  them  from  it,  it  is  easy 
to  foresee,  that  it  will  become  permanent,  and  soon  em- 
brace within  the  number  of  its  agents,  all  those  who  live 
beyond  the  high  lands,  in  which  our  rivers  running  to 
the  north  originate ;  including  the  most  fertile  part  of 
the  state,  which  is  hastening  also  to  become  the  most 
populous. 

Our  eastern  and  western  districts  having  been  set- 
tled from  the  south  and  the  east;  roads  from  these  points 
were,  of  course,  first  opened.  These  roads  were  ex- 
tended and  improved  with  the  diffusion  and  age  of  the 
new  settlements.    And  as  they  were,  for  several  years, 


(  245    ) 

better  in  proportion  to  their  proximity  to  the  Hudson^ 
this  circumstance,  added  to  the  ties  of  acquaintance, 
friendship,  and  consanguinity,  retained  the  settlers,  for 
a  long  time  and  universally,  in  a  business-connexion 
with  our  own  cities.  But  these  roads  are  now  carried 
through  to  the  farthest  borders  of  the  &tate ;  and  on 
the  margin  of  the  waters  where  they  terminate,  asdense, 
active,  and  intelligent  population  is  collected.  Stimu- 
lated by  the  energetic  impulse  of  private  emolument, 
these  people  are  making  new  roads  and  improving  the 
old,  erecting  store-houses  and  wharves,  building  ves- 
sels of  every  description  calculated  to  facilitate  trans- 
portation, and  at  various  places  extending  into  the 
country,  by  artificial  constructions  and  the  improve- 
ment of  natural  streams,  navigable  communications 
with  the  northern  waters.  The  enterprising  spirit  of 
these  people  is  laudable.  It  has  heretofore  added  to 
the  wealth  of  the  state,  while  it  has  enriched  them- 
selves. And  unless  it  is  directed  into  new  channels, 
it  will  hereafter  lavish  the  productions  of  our  soil,  to 
the  amount  of  several  millions  a  year  upon  our  north- 
ern neighbours.  This  unwelcome  result,  it  appears  to 
your  committee,  that  the  present  state  of  things,  is  rap- 
idly  maturing ;  and  to  render  it  still  more  inauspicious, 
it  will  inevitably  produce  the  effect  of  sending  to  a 
permanent  foreign  residence,  many  of  our  most  useful 
citizens. 

Shall  we  look  on  with  unconcern,  and  see  so  large  a 
portion  of  the  means,  within  our  power,  of  conferring 
a  perpetually  increasing  strength  and  respectability 
upon  our  body  politic,  for  ever  averted  ?  Or  shall  we 
adopt  an  easy,  an  obvious,  an  effectual  method  of  re- 
claiming for  ourselves  and  our  posterity,  to  the  remotest 
generations,  all  these  means,  amplified  into  their  fullest 
proportions  by  a  warmer  patronage  than  the  frozen 
outlet  of  the  St.  Lawrence  can  ever  afford  ? 

The  decision  of  this  question  is  now  emphatically 
devolved  upon  the  state.  It  is  a  question,  in  which 
the  interests  of  every  district,  county  and  town,  are 
deeply  implicated.    There  are  places,  indeed,  which 


(    246    ) 

will  enjoy,  more  immediately,  and  in  a  higher  degree, 
the  incalculable  advantages  of  these  canals ;  but  these 
advantages  will  most  assuredly,  and  in  no  parsimoni- 
ous measures,  reach  and  enrich  every  part  of  the  state. 

It  has  been  observed  by  a  perspicacious  statesman 
of  our  country,  that  "in  proportion  as  the  mind  is 
accu§i|;omed  to  trace  the  intimate  connexion  of  inter- 
ests-;vf  hich  subsists  between  all  the  parts  of  a  society 
united. under  the  same  government;  the  infinite  vari- 
ety of  channels  which  serve  to  circulate  the  prosperi- 
ty of  each  to  and  through  the  rest ;  in  that  proportion 
will  it  be  unapt  to  be  disturbed  by  solicitudes  and  ap- 
prehensions which  originate  in  local  discriminations. 
It  is  a  truth,  as  important  as  it  is  agreeable,  and  one  to 
which  it  is  not  easy  to  imagine  exceptions,  that  every 
thing  tending  to  establish  substantial  and  permanent 
order  in  the  affairs  of  a  country ;  to  increase  the  to- 
tal mass  ©f  industry  and  opulence,  is  ultimately  bene- 
ficial to  every  part  of  it.  On  the  credit  of  this  great 
truth,  an  acquiescence  may  safely  be  accorded,  from 
every  quarter,  to  all  institutions  and  arrangements, 
which  promise  a  confirmation  of  public  order,  and  an 
augmentation  of  public  resource." 

Your  committee  believe,  that  navigable  canals,  con- 
necting the  Hudson  with  lake  Erie  and  with  lake 
Champlain,  would,  from  the  moment  of  their  comple- 
tion, make  it  cheaper  for  nearly  all  our  western  and 
northern  citizens  to  find  a  market  down  these  canals, 
than  in  any  other  direction;  and  they  would  certain- 
ly afford  the  safest  possible  transportation. 

But,  besides  calling  back  to  our  own  market  a  large 
amount  of  the  productions  of  our  own  soil,  which  are 
now  alienated  from  them,  the  construction  of  these 
canals  would  draw  into  our  limits  the  trade  of  the 
western  parts  of  Vermont,  of  a  considerable  region  in 
Upper  Canada,  and  of  the  northerp  half  of  all  that 
portion  of  the  United  States,  which  lies  west  of  the 
Allegany  mountains.  The  future  extent  of  this  trade, 
it  would  be  difficult  to  calculate.  It  must  be  immense. 
The  country  south  of  the  great  lakes  alone,  from  which 


t  {     247     ) 

it  will  flow,  includes  as  many  acres  as  make  up  the 
territory  of  some  of  the  most  powerful  nsetions  of  Eu- 
rope, and  is  the  most  fertile  part  of  the  globe.  That 
country  already  contains  near  a  million  of  souls,  and 
is  increasing  with  a  rapidity  of  population  known  only 
on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic. 

The  increase  of  the  people  of  New-England,  for  the 
last  twenty  years,  has  been  at  the  rate  of  six  percent,  an- 
nually ;  and  the  surplus  thousands  of  this  increase  are 
continually  seeking  new  settlements  in  the  west.  A 
similar  climate  to  that  in  which  they  have  been  bred — 
a  luxuriant  soil,  and  advantages  for  navigation,  which 
are  never  lightly  esteemed  by  a  trading  people,  induce 
these  thousands,  for  the  most  part,  to  take  up  their 
abode  within  two  or  three  degrees  of  latitude  south  of 
the  lakes.  There  they  are  joined  by  a  numerous  emi- 
gration from  the  middle  and  southern  states,  who,  to- 
gether with  them,  multiply  and  thrive  in  exact  propor- 
tion to  the  means  of  subsistence,  which  their  common 
industry  produces.  It  is  in  our  power  to  open  tQ  that 
country  a  cheaper,  safer,  and  more  expeditious  i;oad  to 
our  market  towns,  than  they  can  possible  enjoy  to  any 
other.     Shall  it  be  done  ? 

The  expense  of  transportation  from  Buffalo  to  Mont- 
real, is  30  dollars  a  ton ;  and  the  returning  transpor- 
tation is  from  $60  to  $7,^  a  ton.  The  passage  of  lake 
Ontario  and  the  St.  Lawrence,  is  shown  to  be  danger- 
ous, by  the  fact,  that  many  vessels  and  lives  are  yearly 
lost  upon  them.  And  this  passage,  though  at  different 
times  of  very  unequal  duration,  is  on  an  average  long- 
er than  one  would  be  from  Buffalo,  through  a  canal 
and  the  Hudson,  to  New- York.  The  expense  of 
transportation  from  New-York  to  Buffalo  is  about  100 
dollars  a  ton,  and  the  ordinary  length  of  the  passage  is 
about  20  days.  In  the  present  state  of  things,  to  all  the 
trade  of  the  west,  the  evils  attending  the  more  tedious 
and  expensive  route  to  New-York,  are  not  counterbalan- 
ced by  the,  benefits  of  a  superior  capital,  and  a  more 
open  port,  which  that  city  enjoys  over  Montreal.  Make 
the  western  canal,  and  it  would  once  and  for  ever  con- 


(    248    ) 

trol  that  trade  ;  for  it  would  offer  a  transportation  from 
Lake  Erie  to  New- York,  including  the  imposition  of 
reasonable  tolls,  at  a  rate  of  from  ^JO  to  ^12  a  ton. 

Those,  whom  business  and  curiosity  have  led  to  con- 
sider what  is  the  amount  of  monies  now  actually  paid 
for  transportation  by  our  citizens,  will  best  understand 
how  to  appreciate  the  saving  produced  by  so  great  a  re- 
duction of  its  price.  It  is  believed  by  intelligent  gentle- 
men, that  the  merchants  of  our  state,  living  in  Oneida 
and  the  counties  west,  pay  annually,  for  transportation, 
not  less  than  one  million  of  dollars.  And  this  belief  is 
strengthened  by  what  is  known  in  relation  to  the  sums 
paid,  by  the  merchants  of  Pittsburgh,  for  waggonage, 
from  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore,  to  that  place.  In  the 
year  1815,  the  amount  of  this  kind  of  disbursement,  was 
found  to  be,  in  the  month  of  July,  jS  103,000,  in  the 
month  of  August,  $  1 J  2,000,  and  in  the  first  fourteen 
days  of  September,  $83,000.  This  saving,  it  must  be 
confessed,  would  be  of  vast  importance. 

By  making  the  northern  canal,  a  saving  would  be 
ensured,  of  much  less  amount  indeed,  but,  considering 
the  cumbrous  and  heavy  articles,  which  must  always- 
constitute  the  chief  subjects  of  trade,  from  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  lake  Champlain,  and  the  difficulty  of  remov- 
ing them  upon  the  present  roads,  the  expense  of  trans- 
portation would  be  reduced  in  almost  as  great  a  pro- 
poition. 

In  discussing  the  expediency  of  opening  these  ca- 
nals, it  should  never  be  forgotten  that  the  question  is, 
whether  we  will,  by  taking  measures  completely  with- 
in our  power,  and  not  burdensome,  secure  to  our  own 
country  incalculable  wealth,  or  will,  by  neglecting  such 
measures,  bestow  that  wealth,  with  all  its  advantages, 
upon  a  foreign  nation. 

To  those^of  our  citizens,  who  live  on  the  great  par- 
allel roads,  which  traverse  the  state  east  and  west,  it 
is  important  to  consider,  not  whether  the  canal,  from 
lake  Erie  to  the  Hudson,  will  be  more  travelled  than 
either  of  those  roads,  but  whether  this  travel  shaU 
pass  through  the  heart  of  the  state,  giving  additional 


(    249     ) 

activity  to  every  species  t)f  profitable  labour,  by  dis- 
pensing to  it  a  golden  reward,  or  whether  it  shall  be  di- 
verted entirely  beyond  their  reach,  and  pass  down  the 
waters  of  the  St.  Lawrence  and  the  Mississippi.  And 
they  should  remember,  that  whatever  increases  popula- 
tion, capital,  and  commerce,  in  their  vicinity,  enlarges 
the  sum  of  materials,  out  of  which  their  individual  for- 
tunes are  to  grow.  The  same  considerations  will  ap- 
ply with  greater  or  less  force,  to  every  portion  of  our 
people. 

It  will  not  be  denied,  that  the  construction  of  these 
canals,  will  induce  the  transportation  into  the  state,  of 
an  immense  amount  of  interior  productions,  and  of  for- 
eign goods.  Will  these  come  into  the  state,  and  de- 
part from  it,  without  leaving  any  traces  of  their  having 
been  among  us  ?  Or  will  they  swell  the  comforts  of  our 
country  towns,  and  make  our  villages  and  cities  exhibit, 
upon  a  larger  scale,  the  improvements  and  the  magni- 
ficence of  a  prosperous  community  ? 

From  the  foregoing  observations,  it  will  be  perceived, 
that  your  committee  are  of  opinion,  that  these  canals 
would  be  beneficial  to  every  section  of  the  state.  .They 
would  eventually  make  New-York  the  greatest  com- 
mercial emporium  in  the  world  ;  and  the  greatness  of 
the  commerce  of  that  city,  would,  in  a  variety  of  ways, 
promote  the  interests  of  the  southern  district.  Every 
addition  to  its  inhabitants,  would  add  to  its  demand  for 
all  the  numerous  articles,  which  only  its  immediate 
neighbourhood  can  supply ;  and  every  augmentation  of 
its  wealth,  would  send  out,  in  greater  numbers,  its  rich 
citizens,  to  patronize  the  industry,  and  to  cultivate,  im- 
prove, and  embellish  the  face  of  the  earth,  in  the  adja- 
cent country.  Experience  shows,  in  all  the  rich  cities 
of  Europe,  that  as  the  means  of  communication  with 
the  interior  are  rendered  easier,  better,  and  more  ex ' 
tensive,  from  those  cities,  the  value  of  property  has  uni- 
formly increased  in  their  vicinity.  It  must  necessarily 
result,  from  establishing  great  affluence  in  any  place, 
that  the  ordinary  channels  of  wealth,  which  are  open 
nearest  to  that  place,  will  first  be  filled. 

32 


(    250    ) 

These  canals  would  promote  the  interests  of  the 
middle  district,  by  furnishing  it  with  gypsum,  salt,  iron, 
lumber,  and  fuel,  in  many  places  cheaper  than  they 
can  be  otherwise  obtained;  and  by  increasing  the 
market  for  all  its  surplus  productions. 

They  would  speedily  give  a  new  and  more  prospe- 
rous  aspect  to  the  business  of  our  northern  counties, 
by  opening,  to  a  more  profitable  and  growing  demand, 
their  extensive  forests,  abounding  with  all  the  usual 
kinds  of  lumber,  and  building  timber,  and  their  inex- 
haustible mines  of  iron  ore;  and  by  facilitating  the 
transportation  to  and  from  their  markets,  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  give  an  additional  value  to  all  their  other 
exports,  and  a  reduced  price  to  all  their  imports. 

To  the  western  district,  the  importance  of  these  ca- 
nals is  too  well  known,  and  too  generally  admitted,  to 
need  elucidation  here. 

It  may  be  proper,  in  this  place,  to  notice  an  objection 
sometimes  made  against  making  these  canals,  arising 
from  the  high  price  of  labour  in  our  country.  The  foun- 
dation of  this  objection  will  probably  long  remain.  But 
can  the  objection  itself  have  any  weight  ?  Is  it  not  ap- 
parent, that  if  the  price  of  labour  is  high  among  us,  it 
applies  as  well  to  the  prodigious  annual  expense,  which 
would  be  saved  in  transportation,  by  the  canals,  as  to 
the  cost  of  their  construction  ? 

The  consideration,  which  your  committee  have  given 
to  these  great  improvements,  has  impressed  them  with 
a  conviction,  that  from  the  moment  when  the  Legisla- 
ture shalldeliberatelydetermine  to  undertake  them,  the 
real  property  of  the  state  will  rise  in  value,  faster  than 
the  amount  of  disbursements  necessary  to  their  perfect 
completion.     They  ought  certainly  to  be  made. 

But  does  good  policy  require,  that  they  should  be 
immediately  commenced  ?  The  benefits  which  they 
will  insure  are,  now  extensively  understood ;  and  the 
evils  which  they  will  avert,  are  plain,  palpable,  and  ur- 
gent. Every  real  objection  to  them  must  be  of  a  local 
origin ;  and  will  time  lessen  such  objections  ?  Every 
year  produces  new  concentrations  of  interest,  on  the 


-^A^ 


(    251     ) 

borders  of  the  northern  waters,  at  mill  sites,  and  in  the 
centres  of  the  counties,  where  villages  spring  up  and 
grow  into  importance.  Some  of  these  places  will  be  so 
situated  as  to  think  hereafter  that  the  construction  of 
these  canals  will  be  injurious  to  them ;  but  if  it  shall  be 
now  known,  that  they  wiU  be  constructed,  these  vil- 
lages will  take  such  a  location  in  future,  and  with  pros- 
pects much  more  promising,  as  to  profit  by  all  their  ad- 
vantages. 

The  land  to  be  occupied  by  the  canals  would  now 
cost  nothing ;  and  little  expense  would  be  incurred,  in 
the  purchase  of  water  privileges  from  mills  and  other 
hydraulic  establishments.  But  wait  a  very  few  years, 
and  the  enterprise  of  our  countrymen  will  have  appro- 
priated every  stream  to  objects,  from  which  the  expense 
of  detaching  them  will  be  measured  by  their  profit ;  and 
every  mile  of  the  country  will  contain  obstructions  to 
the  route,  from  public  or  private  edifices,  from  orchards, 
or  from  burying  grounds.  Your  committee,  therefore, 
decidedly  believe  that  the  best  policy  of  this  state  re- 
quires the  immediate  commencement  of  these  canals. 

Having  arrived  to  this  conclusion,  it  is  felt  to  be  a 
cause  of  just  exultation,  that  the  interests  of  the  state 
of  New-York,  demanding  the  execution  of  these  pro- 
jects, are  so  entirely  concurrent  with  those  of  several 
of  our  sister  states,  and  of  the  union  generally.  The 
Legislature  of  Ohio,  with  a  liberality,  and  promptitude 
worthy  of  that  enlightened  body,  have  already  express- 
ed their  zealous  approbation  of  the  canal  from  lake 
Erie  to  the  Hudson,  and  pledge  themselves  to  an  efiec- 
tive  co-operation  in  its  construction.  Additional  aid 
may  be  expected  from  other  states  in  the  west. 

And  surely  we  may  yet  look  for  help  from  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States.  As  bonds  of  union,  as  mili- 
tary roads,  as  favouring  the  increase  and  collection  of 
commercial  revenue,  as  means  of  sustaining  her  Indian 
department,  and  as  prolific  parents  of  all  kinds  of  na- 
tional resource,  the  claims  of  these  canals  upon  the  ge- 
neral government  must  hereafter  be  allowed  and  foster- 
ed.    That  day  which  shall  see  them  completed,  will  be 


(     152     ) 

a  proud  one  for  our  country.  If  the  Spaniard,  who, 
from  the  top  of  the  Andes,  first  discovered  the  Pacific, 
felt  impelled  by  a  natural  impulse,  to  prostrate  himself 
in  thanksgiving  to  the  Almighty,  for  the  prospect  with 
which  he  was  indulged,  what  pious  gratitude  will  be- 
come the  American  citizens  a^henever,  by  the  comple- 
tion of  these  improvements,  he  shall  be  permitted  from 
the  political  and  moral  elevation  on  which  they  will 
place  him,  to  contemplate  as  wide  an  expanse,animated, 
adorned,  and  illustrated,  by  every  thing  interesting  and 
ennobling  to  man !  Let  it  be  the  ambition  of  this  state, 
now  to  commence  them,  and  this  prospect  will  soon  be 
realized. 

It  remains  for  your  committee  to  point  out  where 
they  would  recommend  to  have  these  canals  begun;  to 
designate  the  funds  which  they  would  appropriate  to 
them  at  the  present  session ;  and  to  state  the  manner 
in  which  they  think  it  expedient  to  provide  for  their 
eventual  completion,  and  the  discharge  of  all  the  ex- 
penses to  be  incurred  in  their  prosecution. 

Notwithstanding  the  perfect  conviction  of  your  com- 
mittee, that  these  canals  can  be  made  without  any  seri- 
ous inconvenience  to  the  financial  operations  of  the 
state,  yet  they  admit  that  it  is  due  to  the  counsels  of 
prudence  to  bring  the  solidity  of  their  conviction,  to  the 
touchstone  of  experiment,  before  the  whole  system  is 
undertaken. 

Under  these  impressions,  they  recommend  the  adop 
tion  of  immediate  measures,  for  purchasing  the  interest 
of  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Navigation  Company,  and 
for  commencing  and  completing  a  canal  navigation, 
between  Rome  and  the  Seneca  river,  and  between  lake 
Champlain  and  the  Hudson  river,  at  a  convenient  point 
below  Baker's  falls. 

If  the  middle  section  of  the  western  canal  is  made 
before  the  rights  of  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Naviga- 
tion Company  are  purchased,  it  may  induce  the  latter, 
in  consequence  of  the  increased  value  of  their  property, 
to  rise  in  their  demands.  And  if  the  state,  after  a  fair 
trial  of  the  experiment,  shall  only  complete  the  canals 


(    153    ) 

now  proposed,  and  proceed  no  further  in  the  whole 
work,  yet  these  partial  operations  will  open  valuable 
and  important  communications,  and  be  greatly  benefi- 
cial to  the  community. 

Your  committee,  being  of  opinion,  that  those  desig- 
nated objects  can  be  accomplished  in  two  or  three 
years,  and  at  an  expense  not  exceeding  one  million 
and  a  half  of  dollars,  recommend  that  a  board  of  com- 
missioners, to  be  denominated  the  Commissioners  of 
the  Fund  for  Internal  Improvements,  be  constituted ; 
that  it  consist  of  the  comptroller,  the  secretary,  the  at- 
torney-general, the  surveyor-general,  and  the  treasurer- 
It  is  proposed  to  establish  a  fund,  or  income,  to  be 
appropriated  expressly  and  exclusively  to  the  making 
of  these  canals,  and  to  be  pledged  for  the  payment  of 
the  interest  and  principal  of  such  loans  as  it  may  be- 
come convenient  to  make,  and  which  should  be  made 
exclusively  upon  the  credit  of  such  income,  and  not  upon 
the  general  credit  of  the  state;  and  that  the  comptroller 
be  directed  to  open  separate  books,  and  to  keep  the 
accounts  of  those  funds  distinct  from  the  other  funds 
and  accounts  of  the  state;  the  whole  to  be  under  the 
control  and  management  of  the  said  commissioners  of 
the  fund,  whose  powers  and  duties  shall,  besides,  em- 
brace the  following  objects : — 

1st.  To  borrow,  on  the  credit  of  the  fund  above-men- 
tioned, a  sum  not  exceeding  a  million  and  a  half  of 
dollars,  with  interest  not  exceeding  six  per  cent,  paya- 
ble semi-annually,  and  the  principal  reimbursable  in 
twenty  years,  or  at  any  time  before,  in  the  option  of  the 
state. 

2d.  To  pay  over,  from  time  to  time,  such  monies  as 
shall  be  required  for  the  execution  of  the  powers  com- 
mitted to  them,  by  the  commissioners  constituted  by  the 
act  to  provide  for  the  improvement  of  the  internal 
navigation  of  this  state. 

3d.  to  purchase  the  interest  of  the  Western  Inland 
Lock  Navigation  Company. 

4th.  The  said  commissioners  of  the  fund  shall,  as 


(    254    ) 

soon  as  the  said  purchase,  or  the  whole,  or  any  part  of 
the  said  works  is  completed,  have  power  to  establish 
and  receive  reasonable  tolls,  and  to  take  all  the  neces- 
sary measures  for  that  purpose. 

5th.  The  annual  application  of  dollars  of  the 

monies  arising  from  the  auction  duties,  of  the  duties 
arising  from  salt  as  herein  after  mentioned,  and  the 
"whole  of  the  monies,  which  the  state  may  derive  from  the 
sale  of  unappropriated  lands,  shall  be  pledged  for  the 
payment  of  the  said  debt  and  the  interest  thereof,  and 
shall  be  received  and  applied  by  the  said  commissioners 
of  the  fund  for  internal  improvements ;  and  they  shall 
have  power  to  apply  any  unappropriated  monies  in  the 
treasury  to  make  good  any  deficiency  or  failure  in  the 
receipts  of  the  said  fund,  or  to  borrow  on  the  faith  of 
the  state  any  monies  that  may  be  necessary,  to  be  reim- 
bursed from  the  said  funds,  when  the  same  shall  be 
received. 

6th.  The  said  commissioners  of  the  fund  shall  at  the 
opening  of  the  next  cession  of  the  legislature,  report 
a  plan  of  finance  for  the  execution  of  the  whole  of  the 
said  canals,  and  also  of  a  sinking  fund  for  the  extin- 
guishment of  the  debt. 

Your  committee  have  proposed  this  plan  for  the  fol- 
lowing reasons : — 

1st.  In  a  free  government,  where  the  people  compose 
the  sovereign  authority,  it  is  chimerical  to  contem- 
plate the  execution  of  a  stupendous  plan  of  internal 
navigation,  without  the  adoption  of  a  wise  and  econo- 
mical system,  which  will  conciliate  the  affections  and 
secure  the  favourable  opinion  of  those,  who  are  the 
source  of  all  legitimate  power.  To  attempt  to  raise 
by  taxation  the  whole  sum,  as  it  will  be  required,  will 
impose  a  burthen  on  the  people,  which  would  be  des- 
tructive of  the  project. 

2d.  The  annual  revenue  of  the  state  is  now  upwards 
of  924,000  dollars,  and  its  ordinary  expenses  about 
547,000  dollars,  leaving  a  surplus  of  near  400,000  dol- 
lars, applicable  to  extraordinary  demands  on  the  trea- 
sury, and  to  the  extinguishment  of  the  state  debt.  The 
auction  duties   for  the  last  year  amounted  to  about 


(    255    ) 

160,000  dollars.  From  this  fund  the  sum  of  dol- 
lars may  be  therefore  appropriated  annually  to  the 
payment  of  interest  as  before  stated,  without  interfer- 
ing with  any  other  claims,  and  without  any  incon- 
venience to  the  treasury. — It  will  be  also  recollected, 
that  the  direct  tax  of  the  United  States,  which  last  year 
drew  from  our  treasury  $365,620  38,  has  ceased  to 
operate. 

3d.  The  appropriations  before  mentioned  from  the 
duties  on  auctions  and  salt,  and  the  partial  avails  of 
the  sale  of  public  lands,  will  be  at  least  equivalent  to 
an  immediate  grant  of  one  and  a  half  million  of  dollars. 
On  a  supposition,  that  the  western  canal  will  cost  five, 
and  the  northern  canal  one  million  of  dollars,  the  com- 
missioners of  the  fund  for  internal  improvements,  will, 
besides  devising  a  sinking  fund,  have  only  to  recom- 
mend a  plan  for  raising  270,000  dollars  annually,  be- 
ing the  interest  of  four  and  a  half  millions.  For  this 
purpose  the  following  among  many  other  sources  may 
be  indicated.  And  it  must  be  explicitly  understood, 
that  as  only  an  annual  revenue  of  1^90,000,  will  be 
required  until  the  canal  from  Rome  to  the  Seneca 
river,  and  from  lake  Champlain  to  the  Hudson  river 
below  Baker's  falls  are  finished,  it  will  not  be  neces- 
sary, to  use  the  funds  now  designated,  until  the  hap- 
pening of  those  events ;  and  that  some  of  them  will  be, 
of  course,  in  a  state  of  rapid  accumulation. 

1st.  A  tax  to  be  laid  upon  all  salt  maiiufactured  in 
the  western  district,  at  the  rate  of  nine  cents  per  bush- 
el, upon  that  which  is  made  at  private  works,  and  at 
the  rate  of  twelve  and  a  half  cents  per  bushel,  upon 
that  which  is  made  at  the  public  works. 

2d.  The  duties  on  sales  at  auction,  after  deducting 
^26,000  for  the  hospital,  ^15,000  for  the  support  of  for- 
eign poor  in  the  city  of  New-York,  $500  for  the  Or- 
phan Asylum  Society,  and  $500  dollars  for  the  Economi- 
cal School. 

3d.  A  tax  to  be  laid  upon  the  valuations  of  real  and 
personal  property,  in  the  counties,  cities,  or  towns, 
which  will  be  particularly  benefitted,  by  the  construe- 


(    256    ) 

tion  of  these  canals,  of  from  one-third  to  three-fourths 
of  a  mill  upon  a  dollar.  And  the  places  to  which  this 
tax  should  apply,  and  the  proportion  of  its  application 
to  each,  your  committee  think,  should  be  as  follows: — 
New-York,  at  1-2  a  mill,  on  last  year's  valua- 
tion, amounting  to  ;^41,037 
Albany  and  Watervliet,  at  3-4  mill,  on  do.  do.  4,776 
The  towns  of  Waterford,  ^ 
Stillwater,      Saratoga,  j 

Northumberland,     and  J- at  1-2  do.  on  do.  do.  1,762 
Moreau  in  the  county  I 
of  Saratoga,  J 

All  the  towns  of  Washing- 1 

ton      county,     except  !     .  ,  „  i  j      j     « n<^^ 

Cambridge,     Jackson,  \  ^'  '"^  ^"^  «"  ^"^  ^°-  2-672 

and  Whitecreek,  j 

The  County  of  Essex,  at  3-4  do.  on  do.  do.  706 

of  Clinton,  at  3-4  do.  on  do.  do.  1,135 

of  Montgomery,    at  1-3  do.   on  do.  do.  2,593 

of  Herkimer,    '     at  1-2  do.  on  dOo  do.  1,914 

of  Oneida,  at  3-4  do.  on  do.  do.  7,098 

of  Madison,  at  3-4  do.   on  do.   do.  3,408 

of  Onondaga,        at  3-4  do.  on  do.  do.  2,869 

of  Cayuga,  at  3-4  do.  on  do.  do.  3,647 

of  Seneca,  at  3-4  do.  on  do.  do.  3,066 

of  Ontario,  at  3-4  do.  on  do.  do.  11,203 

of  Genesee,  at  3-4  do.  on  do.  do.  5,834 

of  Niagara,  at  3-4  do.  on  do.  do.  2,373 

of  Chatauque,        at  3-4  do.  on  do.  do.  648 

The  city  of  Troy,  at  1-2  do.  on  do.  do.  800 

The  village  of  Lansingburgh,     at  1-2  do.  on  do.  do.  180 

4th.  A  tax  upon  all  steam-boat  passengers,  of  one 
cent  per  mile  each,  for  any  distance  not  exceeding  an 
hundred  miles,  and  not  exceeding  one  dollar  for  a  pas- 
sage between  Albany  and  New-York. 

5th.  Lotteries  after  the  sums  now  granted  upon  them 
are  raised,  and  which  v»^ill  probably  require  ten  years. 

6th.  All  unappropriated  lands. 

7th.  Contributions  from  other  states,  on  condition 
that  they  shall  make  use  of  the  canals,  for  the  same 
tolls,  as  may  be  required  from  the  people  of  this  state. 

8th.  Contributions  from  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  on  condition,  that  for  all  their  purposes  they 


(    257    ) 

shall  use  the  canals  for  the  same  tolls,  as  may  be  re- 
quired from  the  people  of  this  state. 

9th.  Donations  of  money  and  lands  from  individuals. 
John  Grieg,  Esq.  has  already  contributed  to  this  fund, 
by  executing  a  deed  to  the  people  of  this  state,  for  three 
thousand  acres  of  land  lying  in  the  county  of  Steuben ; 
and  the  agent  of  the  Holland  land  Company  has  given 
satisfactory  assurances,  that  he  will  execute  a  deed  of 
100,632  acres  of  land,  lying  in  the  county  of  Cattarau- 
gus, for  the  same  purpose. 

lOth.  As  soon  as  the  canals,  or  any  important  section 
of  them  are  completed,  a  great  revenue  will  accrue  to 
the  state,  which  will  speedily  extinguish  the  whole  debt, 
and  repay  to  all  the  places,  which  shall  have  been  tax- 
ed on  the  valuation  of  their  real  and  personal  estates, 
the  sums  from  them  respectively  levied.  This  revenue 
will  arise  in  two  ways : 

1st.  From  the  artificial  mill  sites,  and  the  infinite 
variety  of  hydraulic  uses  to  which  the  surplus  waters 
may  be  applied.  These  privileges  ought  never  to  be 
sold  in  perpetuity,  but  leased  and  kept  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  state,  so  that  no  individual  can  gain  an  in- 
terest in  them,  that  may  become  prejudicial  to  the  pub- 
lic.    And, 

2d.  From  the  imposition  of  light  tolls  or  transit  du- 
ties, on  vessels  and  cargoes  descending  the  canals,  to 
be  increased  on  those  ascending. 

Your  committee  deem  it  proper,  before  they  con- 
clude, to  present  to  the  consideration  of  the  Legisla- 
ture, a  proposition  for  the  construction  and  completion 
of  the  western  canal,  which  has  been  made  to  the 
president  of  the  canal,  commissioners,  by  J  Rutsen 
Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.  as  follows : 

SIR, 

Desirous  of  aiding  by  every  means  in  my  power 
the  improvement  of  the  internal  navigation  of  this  state 
1  take  the  liberty  of  submitting  to  your  consideration 
the  following  propositions,  to  be  disposed  of,  as  you 
may  deem  proper. 

33 


(       258    ) 

1st.  I  will  form  a  company,  who  shall  give  security 
in  the  sum  of  one  million  of  dollars  to  be  approved  by 
the  comptroller,  that  the  whole  canal  from  Erie  to  Hud- 
son shall  be  completed,  on  the  plan  contemplated  by 
the  report  of  the  commissioners,  except  only,  that  the 
aqueducts  shall  be  formed  of  durable  materials,  proba- 
bly cast  iron,  as  in  my  opinion,  vt^ood  should  not  be 
used  in  any  exposed  situation.  I  will  then  contract  to 
perform  the  whole  work,  for  ten  millions  of  dollars, 
five  hundred  thousand  of  which  shall,  on  good  security 
be  advanced  by  the  state,  to  be  accounted  for  by  the 
company,  on  the  completion  of  the  canal,  and  shall  form 
a  part  of  the  last  expenditure  ;  and  on  each  subsequent 
advance,  by  the  state,  similar  security  shall  be  given, 
that  the  amount  shall  be  applied  to  the  object,  and  a 
proper  proportion  of  the  distance  be  completed,  until 
the  whole  is  finished. 

2dly.  I  will  complete  the  work,  on  like  advances  and 
security,  for  the  sum  of  seven  millions  and  an  half  of 
dollars,  together  with  the  tolls,  which  may  be  collect- 
ed from  the  time  one-fourth  of  the  canal  shall  be  com- 
pleted to  the  expiration  of  twenty  years  after  the  whole 
is  finished,  the  toil  not  to  exceed  two  cents  per  mile 
per  ton.  Or, 

3dly.  I  will,  on  the  like  advances,  furnish  the  like 
security,  and  finish  the  whole,  for  five  millions  of  dollars, 
together  with  the  tolls,  at  the  rate  specified  in  the  former 
proposition,  for  the  period  therein  specified,  and  for 
one  half  that  sum  for  ever  thereafter  :  should  the  legis- 
lature exact  a  toll,  after  the  twenty  years,  at  the  rate 
of  five  dollars  per  ton,  for  the  whole  distance,  the  com- 
pany shall  pay,  and  the  canal  be  pledged  as  security, 
three  per  centum  per  annum,  on  the  whole  advance, 
or  refund  to  the  state  two  millions  and  an  half  of  dol- 
lars, at  convenient  periods,  with  interest,  at  six  per  cent. 

In  the  commencement  of  an  undertaking  of  this  im- 
portance, the  Legislature  should  be  governed  by  a  spi- 
rit of  great  liberality ;  sectional  interests  should  not  be 
indulged,  and  no  objection  should  be  raised  to  the  im- 
position of  a  general  tax  to  meet  a  portion  of  the  expense. 


(     259     ) 

U  the  Legislature  will  consent  to  borrow  the  five  mil- 
lions of  dollars,  funds  may  very  easily  be  provided  to 
meet  the  payment  of  the  interest,  and  to  redeem  the 
principal  at  no  great  distance  of  time. 

I  am,  sir,  with  perfect  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 
J.  RUTSEN  VAN  RENSSELAER; 
Claverack,  11th  March,  1817. 

To  the  acceptance  of  either  of  these  propositions? 
your  committee  are  entirely  opposed,  being  persuaded, 
for  a  variety  of  important  considerations,  that  the  state 
should  retain  the  perfect  control  of  this  canal,  in  every 
period  of  its  construction  and  future  regulation. 

For  the  reasons  and  in  conformity  with  the  princi- 
ples herein  specified,  your  committee  have  prepared  a 
bill  on  the  subjects  submitted  to  them,  which  they  now 
ask  leave  to  present. 

WILLIAM  D.  FORD,  Chairman. 

In  Assembly,  April  3,  1817. 

Communication  from  the  Canal  Commissioners. 

The  canal  commissioners  have  the  honour  to  report 
to  the  honourable  the  assembly,  in  obedience  to  their 
resolution  of  to-day  : — 

That  they  are  not  required  or  authorized  by  law  to 
hold  any  communications  with  the  western  inland  lock 
navigation  company  respecting  the  purchase  of  their  in- 
terests, and  that,  of  course,  they  did  not  institute  any  in- 
quiry on  that  subject.  It  appears  however,  from  an  offi- 
cial report  of  the  former  commissioners,  who  were  duly 
authorized,  dated  March,  1812,  that  the  company  asked 
$190,000  for  the  shares  held  by  them,  exclusive  of  three 
hundred  and  fifty  shares  held  by  the  state.  And  the 
present  commissioners  coincide  in  the  opinion  with  the 
former  board,  that  the  price  then  asked  is  unreasona- 
bly high. 


(     260    ) 

The  commissioners  have  obtained  cessions  of  the 
land  to  be  occupied  bj  the  Erie  canal,  from  fifty-six 
persons,  through  whose  farms  the  line  passes,  west  of 
the  Seneca  river ;  and  Schoharie  creek  a  considera- 
ble number  of  cessions,  from  persons  living  within  those 
limits ;  but  as  the  deeds  of  cession,  except  those  which 
relate  to  lands  west  of  the  Seneca  river,  are  not  here,  j 

and  as  these  deeds  do  not,  in  general, express  the  length  ,; 

of  line  conveyed  by  those  who  have  executed  them  re- 
spectively, neither  the  precise  number  of  these  deeds, 
nor  the  exact  extent  of  the  lands  which  they  cover,  can 
at  present  be  ascertained. 

Though  the  commissioners,  at  an  early  day,  procured 
blank  forms  of  cessions  to  be  printed  (some  of  which 
were  delivered  to  the  engineers  on  the  different  sections 
of  the  canals)  and  have  found  more  than  nine-tenths  of 
those  to  whom  they  were  offered  for  subscription,  wil- 
ling to  make  a  donation  to  the  state  of  that  strip  of  their 
land,  which  would  be  required  for  the  canal,  it  has  not 
yet  been  in  their  power  to  secure  a  large  portion  of  the 
canal  lines.  Much  of  the  land  lying  in  the  western  part 
of  the  state  is  owned  by  persons  who  do  not  reside 
there.  The  agent  of  the  Holland  land  company  has 
offered  to  convey  to  the  state,  a  strip  of  land  for  the 
canal,  through  their  possessions,  not  exceeding  four 
rods  in  width,  on  condition  that  the  state  shall  make  a 
good  harbour  for  lake  vessels  at  the  mouth  of  Buffalo 
creek,  a  condition  which  the  commissioners  think  en- 
tirely inadmissible.  Other  agents  did  not  feel  them- 
selves authorized  to  make  the  donations  desired,  with- 
out consulting  their  principals.  This  they  engaged  to 
do,  and  at  the  same  time  expressed  decided  expecta- 
tions of  receiving  favourable  answers,  but  had  not  re- 
ceived those  answers  at  the  date  of  the  last  communi- 
cations between  them  and  the  commissioners.  In  some 
cases  the  owners  of  the  land,  though  usually  resident 
there,  were  absent  from  home,  and  it  has  hitherto  been 
inconvenient  to  make  application  to  them.  Besides,  in 
exploring  the  route  of  the  canal,  in  a  country  but  par- 
tially cleared,  it  was  impossible  for  the  engineer,  in.first 


C    261    ) 

running  it  over,  to  determine  in  many  places,  where  the 
canal  line  would  pass.  After  advancing  some  distance  in 
a  doubtful  course,  difficulties  would  be  met  with,  which 
made  it  expedient  to  go  back  upon  the  line  to  some 
point,  whence  a  more  eligible  course  might  be  pursued. 
In  such  cases,  cessions  on  the  route  first  explored  would 
be  useless ,-  and  a  few  of  the  deeds  actually  obtained 
are  of  this  description.  And  although  the  line  of  ca- 
nal presents  but  few  obstructions,  and  is  in  general  ex- 
tremely favourable,  yet  it  cannot  be  doubted  but  that 
the  more  minute  and  extensive  examination  of  resident 
engineers  to  whose  superintendence  the  execution  of 
the  work  ought  to  be  intrusted,  will  point  out  many 
partial  deviations  from  this  line,  which  may  be  made 
with  great  advantage  and  economy.  Hence  it  seemed 
the  less  important  to  obtain  deeds  of  cession,  on  a  first 
survey,  even  if  the  more  general,  and  as  was  judged 
more  pressing  duties  of  the  commissioners  and  engi- 
neers, had  allowed  the  necessary  time.  And  it  was 
thought,  in  reference  to  all  those  parts  of  the  route  of 
both  canals,  which  should  not  be  immediately  under- 
taken, that  the  inducements  to  give  the  lands  to  be  oc- 
cupied by  the  canals,  would  rather  be  increased  than 
diminished,  making  the  eventual  success  of  the  whole 
;  projects  to  depend,  as  well  upon  the  encouragement 

[i  offered  by  those  who   are   most  interested  therein,  as 

upon  the   success  of  those  parts  actually  to  be  com- 
menced. 

It  is  not  to  be  denied  that  a  few  individuals,  whose 
lands  will  be  crossed  by  canals,  have  refused  to  make 
a  donation  of  any  part  of  those  lands  to  the  state.  A  pro- 
vision by  the  Legislature,  therefore,  seems  to  be  re- 
quired for  taking  the  necessary  possession  of  lands  so 
withheld.  Whether  this  provision  extend  to  a  few  cases 
more  or  less,  appears  not  to  be  very  material,  as  if  it 
is  equitable,  it  will  doubtless  involve  no  public  expense, 
except  in  cases  where  it  interferes  with  expensive  ex- 
isting improvements 

The  commissioners,  from  the  best  information  which 
they  have  been  able  to  obtain,  entertain  no  doubt  but 


(    262    ) 

that  the  necessary  lands  on  the  whole  route  of  the  ca- 
nals may,  with  a  few  exceptions,  be  procured  gratui- 
tously. 

All  which  is  respectively  submitted, 
DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
MYRON  HOLLEY, 
SAMUEL  YOUNG, 
Albany^  April  1 ,  1817. 

To  the  Honourable  the  House  of  Assembly. 

In  compliance  with  a  resolution  of  the  honourable 
the  Assembly,  we  have  the  honour  of  enclosing  a  state- 
ment of  the  Comptroller.  This  communication  would 
have  been  made  before,  but  the  accounts,  as  far  as 
they  were  ascertained,  were  agreeably  to  the  direc- 
tions of  the  law  exhibited  to  him ;  and  with  every  at- 
tention, on  his  part  as  well  as  ours,  it  was  not  until  to- 
day that  it  has  been  in  our  power  to  render  this  state- 
ment. 

The  expenses  of  the  commissioners  include  the  ex- 
penses of  travelling,  at  various  periods — of  their  visit 
to  the  Middlesex   canal — of  their   superintendence  of 
the  whole  route  of  both  canals,  of  their  meetings  at  va- 
rious times,  and  are  brought  up  to  their  first  meeting 
during  the  present  session  of  the  Legislature.     They 
consist  of  the  following  sums,  viz. — 
Expenses  of  commissioners  meeting  17th 
May,  1816,  in  New-York  including  the  ex- 
pense of  going  there,  of  stay  there,  of  two 
commissioners  with  two  engineers  going 
to  view  the  Middlesex  canal,  stay  there,  and 
return  home  1^515  00 

Expenses  of  commissioners  in  meeting  at  Utica 
on  the  15th  July,  while  there,  while  explor- 
ing the  route  of  the  western  canal,  and  re- 
turning home,  1080  12 
Expenses  of  the  commissioners  in  exploring 
the  northern  canal,  and  directing  opera- 
tions thereon,  679  19 


(    263    ) 

Expenses  of  commissioners  in  meetingat  Alba- 
ny, in  November  last,  and  returning  home,     193  86 

The  whole  of  these  items  amount  to  $2163  17 

Considering  that  upwards  of  313  miles  on  the  west- 
ern canal,  besides  that  part  of  the  route  south  of  the 
mountain  ridge  and  west  of  Genesee  river,  and  more 
than  60  miles  on  the  northern  canal,  have  been  ex- 
plored, surveyed  and  levelled ;  that  the  routes  of  the 
canals  have  been  actually  laid  out;  that  perspicuous 
maps  and  profiles  have  been  made  ;  and  that  full  re- 
ports have  been  presented,  it  is  believed  that  no  ope- 
ration so  extensive,  so  complicated  and  so  important, 
has  ever  been  performed  with  more  economy  of  ex- 
penditure. 

A  sum  not  exceeding  $4000  will  be  required,  in  ad- 
dition to  that  part  of  the  appropriation  which  is  unex- 
pended, to  complete  the  payment  of  the  engineers  for 
their  services ;  to  defray  the  expenses  of  printing,  en- 
graving and  stationary;  to  pay  the  expenses  of  the 
meeting  of  commissioners  and  their  attendance  on  their 
duties  during  the  present  session  of  the  Legislature ; 
to  satisfy  some  demands  not  yet  presented,  and  also  to 
make  a  reasonable  compensation  to  the  secretary  and 
treasurer  of  the  board,  whose  time,  since  the  first  meet- 
ing in  May,  has  been  almost  exclusively  engrossed  in 
discharging  those  trusts,  and  in  attending  to  their  gene- 
ral duties  as  commissioners. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 
DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
MYRON  HOLLEY, 
SAMUEL  YOUNG. 
Albany,  2d.  April,  1817. 

STATE  OF  NEW-YORK  ) 

comptroller's  office.      ) 
I  certify,  that  from  accounts  and  vouchers  rendered 
by  the  commissioners  appointed  in  and  by  the  act,  en- 
titled "an  act  to  provide  for  the  improvement  of  the 
internal  navigation  of  this  state,"  passed  17th  April, 


(     264    ) 

1816,  it  appears  they  have  paid  and  expended  the  fol- 
lowing sums,  viz. 

To  William  Peacok,  engineer,  and  Andrew 
A.  Ellicott,  surveyor,  for  their  services  and 
for  expense  of  hands,  &c.  &c.  in  exploring, 
levelling,  &c.  on  the  western  section  of  the 
Erie  canal,  $1563^2 

To  James  Geddes,  engineer,  for  do.  do.  do.  do.    3233  17 
To  Benjamin  Wright,  on  account  of  his  ser- 
vices and  expenses  in  exploring,  levelling, 
&c.  the  middle  section  of  thie  Erie  canal,         2000  00 
To  Charles  C.  Broadhead,  for  his  services  and 
expenses  in  exploring  and  levelling  a  por- 
tion of  the  eastern  section  of  the  Erie  canal,   2097  70 
For  exploring   and  levelling  a  route  for  the 

northern  canal.  5237  83 

For  expenses  of  the  comraissioners,  2468  17 

For  printing  and  other  incidental  expenses,        339  00 

Making  an  aggregate  of        $  1 6940  29 
ARCH'DM'INTIRE,  Comptroller. 
Aibany,  ^pril  2,  1817. 


A  JY  ACT  to  provide  for   the   improvement  of  the  internal 
navigation  of  this  State. 

PASSED  APRIL  17, 1817. 

I.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  people  of  the  State  of  JVew-  York, 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  That  Stephen  Van 
Rensselaer,  De  Witt  Clinton,  Samuel  Young,  Joseph 
Ellicott,  and  Myron  Holley,  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
appointed  commissioners,  to  consider,  devise  and  adopt 
such  measures  as  may  or  shall  be  requisite,  to  facilitate 
and  effect  the  communication,  by  means  of  canals  and 
locks,  between  the  navigable  waters  of  Hudson's  river 
and  lake  Erie,  and  the  said  navigable  waters  and  lake 
Champlain  j  and  in  case  of  the  resignation  or  death  of 
any  of  the  said  commissioners,  the  vacancy  thereby 


(    265  ) 

occasioned,  shall  be  supplied  by  the  Legislature,  in  the 
manner  in  which  senators  of  the  United  States,  from 
this  state,  are  directed  to  be  chosen. 

II.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  commis- 
sioners shall  choose  one  of  their  number,  to  be  presi- 
dent of  their  board,  and  shall  appoint  a  fit  person  for 
their  secretary,  who  shall  be  allowed  and  paid  such 
salary  as  the  said  commissioners  shall  deem  proper  and 
reasonable :  And  the  president  of  the  said  board  of 
commissioners,  shall  have  power  to  call  a  meeting  of 
the  same,  w^henever,  in  his  opinion,  the  public  interests 
require  it ;  and  the  said  board  may  adjourn  from  time 
to  time,  to  meet  at  any  time  and  place  they  may  deem 
most  conducive  to  the  public  good ;  And  further^  the 
said  commissioners  shall  have  power  to  employ  such  and 
so  many  agents,  engineers,  surveyors,  draftsmen,  and 
other  persons,  as  in  their  opinion  may  be  necessary  to 
enable  them  to  fulfil  and  discharge  the  duties  imposed 
upon  them  by  this  act,  and  to  allow  and  pay  the  said 
agents,  engineers,  surveyors,  draftsmen,  and  other  per- 
sons, for  their  respective  services,  such  sum  or  sums  as 
may  be  adequate  and  reasonable. 

III.  And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  said  commissioners,  us  soon  as  may  be  after  the 
passing  of  this  act,  to  cause  those  parts  of  the  territory 
of  this  state  which  may  lie  upon  or  contiguous  to  the  pro- 
bable courses  and  ranges  of  the  said  canals,  to  be  ex- 
plored and  examined  for  the  purpose  of  fixing  and  de- 
termining the  most  eligible  and  proper  routes  for  the 
same,  and  to  cause  all  necessary  surveys  and  levels  to 
be  taken,  and  accurate  maps,  field  books  and  drafts 
thereof  to  be  made,  and  further  to  adopt  and  recom- 
mend proper  plans  for  the  construction  and  formation  of 
the  said  canals,  and  of  the  locks,  dams,  embankments, 
tunnels  and  aqueducts  which  may  be  necessary  for  the 
completion  of  the  same,  and  to  cause  all  necessary 
plans,  drafts  and  models  thereof,  to  be  executed  under 
their  direction. 

IV.  And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  the  said  commis- 
sioners or  a  majority  of  them,  shall  be,  and  they  are 

34 


(     266     ) 

hereby  authorized  and  required  to  make  application  in 
behalf  of  this  state,  to  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  and  of  such  states  and  territories  as  may  be 
benefited  by  the  said  canals  or  either  of  them,  to  the 
proprietors  of  lands,  through  or  near  which,  the  said 
canals  or  either  of  them  may  or  may  be  proposed  to 
pass,  to  all  bodies  politic  and  corporate,  public  or  pri- 
vate,  and  all  citizens  or  inhabitants  of  this  or  any  other 
of  the  United  States,  for  cessions,  grants  or  donations 
of  land  or  money,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the  con- 
struction or  completing  of  both  or  either  of  the  said  ca- 
nals, according  to  the  discretion  of  the  several  grant- 
ors or  donors,  and  to  take  to  the  people  of  this  state, 
such  grants  and  conveyances  as  maybe  proper  and  com- 
petent to  vest  a  good  and  sufficient  title  in  the  said  peo- 
ple to  the  lands  so  to  be  ceded  or  granted  as  aforesaid, 
and  for  the  purposes  above-mentioned,  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  said  commissioners  to  open  books  of  sub- 
scription in  such  and  so  many  places  as  they  may  think 
necessary  and  expedient,  and  under  such  rules  and  re- 
gulations as  they  may  from  time  to  time  establish ;  and 
further^  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  ascertain  whether  to  any 
and  to  what  amount,  and  upon  what  terms,  loans  of 
money  may  or  can  be  procured  on  the  credit  of  this 
state,  for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

V.  And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  said  commissioners  to  make,  or  cause  to  be  made, 
with  as  much  accuracy  and  minuteness  as  may  be, 
calculations  and  estimates  of  the  sum  or  sums  of  mo- 
ney which  may  or  will  be  necessary  for  completing 
each  of  the  said  canals,  according  to  the  plan  or  plans 
which  may  be  adopted  and  recommended  by  them,  for 
the  construction  or  formation  of  the  same,  and  to  cause 
the  said  calculations  and  estimates,  and  all  surveys, 
maps,  field  books,  plans,  drafts  and  models  authorized 
and  directed  by  this  act,  or  so  many  thereof  as  may 
be  completed,  together  with  a  plain  and  comprehen- 
sive report  of  all  their  proceedings  under  and  by 
virtue  of  this  act,  to  be  presented  to  the  Legislature 
of  this  state  within  twenty  days  after  the  commence- 
ment of  the  next  regular  annual  session  thereof 


(     267     ) 

VI.  And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  the  treasurer  shall 
^n  the  warrant  of  the  comptroller,  pay  to  the  order  of 
a  majority  of  the  said  commissioners,  out  of  any  mo- 
nies in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  any 
sum  or  sums  not  exceeding  twenty  thousand  dollars, 
and  for  which  the  said  commissioners  shall  account  to 
the  comptroller  of  this  state. 

VII.  And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  the  act  entitled 
"  an  act  to  provide  for  the  improvement  of  the  internal 
navigation  of  this  state,"  passed  the  8th  day  of  April, 
1811,  and  the  act,  entitled  "  an  act  further  to  provide 
for  the  improvement  of  the  internal  navigation  of  this 
state,"  passed  June  19th,  1812,  be  and  the  same  are 
hereby  repealed. 


An  Act^  respecting  JYavigable  communications  between  the 
Great  Western  and  JYorthern  Lakes  and  the  Atlantic 
Ocean. 

PASSED  APRIL  15, 1817- 

Whereas,  navigable  communications  between  Lakes 
Erie  and  Champlain  and.  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  by  means 
of  Canals  connected  with  the  Hudson  River,  will  pro- 
mote agriculture,  manufactures,  and  commerce,  miti- 
gate the  calamities  of  war,  enhance  the  blessings  of 
peace,  consolidate  the  union,  advance  the  prosperity 
and  elevate  the  character  of  the  United  States.  And 
whereas,  it  is  the  incumbent  duty  of  the  people  of 
this  State  to  avail  themselves  of  the  means  which  the 
Almighty  has  placed  in  their  hands  for  the  production 
of  such  signal,  extensive,  and  lasting  benefits  to  the 
human  race.  Now,  therefore,  in  full  confidence  that 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  the  States 
equally  interested  with  this  State,  in  the  commence- 
ment, prosecution,  and  completion  of  those  important 
works,  will  contribute  their  full  proportion  of  the  ex- 
pense, and,  in  order  that  adequate  funds  may  be  pro- 
vided, and  properly  arranged  and  managed  for  the 
prosecution  and  completion  of  all  the  navigable  com- 
munications contemplated  by  this  Act  : 


(    268    ) 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  people  of  the  State  of  JVew-Yorlc, 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly^  That  there  shall  be 
constituted  a  fund  to  be  denominated  the  Canal  Fund, 
which  shall  consist  of  such  appropriations,  grants. and 
donations,  as  may  be  made  for  that  purpose  by  the  Le- 
gislature of  this  State,  by  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  by  individual  States,  and  by  corporations,  com- 
panies, and  individuals,  which  fund  shall  be  superin- 
tended and  managed  by  a  board  of  Commissioners,  to 
be  denominated,  "  The  Commissioners  of  the  Canal 
Fund,"  consisting  of  the  Lieutenant  Governor,  the 
Comptroller,  the  Attorney  General,  the  SurveyorGene- 
ral,  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  a  majority  of  whom  with 
the  Comptroller,  shall  be  a  quorum  for  the  transaction 
of  business,  and  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said 
board,  to  receive,  arrange,  and  manage  to  the  best  ad- 
vantage, all  things  belonging  to  the  said  fund ;  to  bor- 
row from  time  to  time,  monies  on  the  credit  of  the 
people  of  this  State,  at  a  rate  of  interest  not  exceed- 
ing six  per  centum  per  annum,  and,  not  exceeding  in 
any  one  year,  a  sum,  which  together  with  the  net  income 
of  the  said  fund,  shall  amount  to  four  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars,  for  which  monies  so  to  be  borrowed,  the 
Comptroller  shall  issue  transferable  certificates  of 
stock,  payable  at  such  time  or  times,  as  may  be  deter- 
mined by  the  said  board  out  of  the  said  fund,  to  pay  to 
the  Canal  Commissioners  hereafter  mentioned,  the  mo- 
nies so  to  be  borrowed,  and  the  income  of  the  said  fund, 
reserving  at  all  times  sufficient  to  pay  the  interest  of 
all  monies  that  shall  have  been  borrowed  by  the  said 
board ;  to  recommend  from  time  to  time  to  the  Legis- 
lature, the  adoption  of  such  measures  as  may  be  thought 
proper  by  the  said  board  for  the  improvement  of  the 
said  fund,  and  to  report  to  the  Legislature  at  the  open- 
ing of  every  session  thereof,  the  state  of  the  said  fund  : 
and  that  the  Comptroller  and  Treasurer  shall  op6n 
separate  books,  and  keep  the  accounts  of  the  said  fund, 
distinct  from  the  other  funds  of  the  State. 

And  be  it  further  enacted.   That  the  Commissioners 
appointed  by  the  Act,  entitled  "  An  Act  to  provide  for 


(  269  y 

the   improvement  of  the  Internal  Navigation  of  this 
State,"  passed  April  17,  1816,  shall  continue  to  possess 
the  powers  thereby  conferred,  and  be  denominated  the 
Canal  Commissioners,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized 
and  empowered  in  behalf  of  this  State,  and  on  the  credit 
of  the  fund  herein  pledged,  to  commence  making  the 
said   Canals,  by  opening  communications  by  Canals 
and  Locks  between  the  Mohawk  and   Seneca  Rivers, 
and  between  Lake  Champlain  and  the  Hudson  River; 
to  receive  from  time  to  time  from  the  Commissioners  of 
the  Canal  fund,  such  monies  as  may  be  necessary  for 
and  applicable  to  the  objects  hereby  contemplated; 
to  cause  the  same  to  be  expended  in  the  most  prudent 
and  economical  manner  in  all  such  works   as  may  be 
proper  to  make  the  said  Canals,  and  on  completing  any 
part  or  parts  of  the  works  or  Canals  contemplated  by 
this  Act,  to  establish  reasonable  tolls,  and  adopt  all 
measures  necessary  for  the  collection  and  payment 
thereof  to  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  :  that  a 
majority  of  the  said  commissioners  shall  be  a  board  for 
the  transaction  of  business,  each  of  whom  shall  take  an 
oath,  well  and  faithfully  to  execute  the  duties  of  his 
office,  and  shall  report  to  the  Legislature  at  each  ses- 
sion thereof,  the  state  of  the  said  works  and  expendi- 
tures, and    recommend  such  measures    as  they  may 
think  advisable  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  objects 
intended  by  this  Act.     And  in  case  of  any  vacancy  in 
the  office  of  Commissioner,  during  the  recess  of  the 
Legislature,  the  person  administering  the  government, 
may  appoint  a  person  to  fill  such  vacancy,  until  the 
Legislature  shall  act  in  the  premises. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  and  may  be 
lawful  for  the  said  canal  commissioners,  and  each  of 
them  by  themselves,  and  by  any  and  every  superintend- 
ent, agent,  and  engineer,  employed  by  them,  to  enter 
upon,  and  take  possession  of,  and  use  all  and  singular 
any  lands,  waters  and  streams,  necessary  for  the 
prosecutionof  the  improvements  intended  by  this  Act. 
And  to  make  all  such  canals,  feeders,  dykes,  locks,  dams 
and  other  works  and  devices,  as  they  may  think  proper 


(    270    ) 

for  making  said  improvements,  doing  nevertheless  no 
minecessary  damage.  And  that  in  case  any  lands, 
waters,  or  streams  taken  and  appropriated  for  any  of 
the  purposes  aforesaid,  shall  not  be  given  or  granted 
to  the  people  of  this  State,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
canal  commissioners  from  time  to  time,  and  as  often  as 
they  think  reasonable  and  proper,  to  cause  applications 
to  be  made  to  the  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Court,  or 
any  two  of  them,  for  the  appointment  of  appraisers, 
and  the  said  Justices  shall  thereupon  by  writing,  ap- 
point not  less  than  three,  nor  more  than  five  discreet 
disinterested  persons  as  appraisers,  who  shall,  before 
they  enter  upon  the  duties  of  their  appointment,  sever- 
ally take  and  subscribe  an  oath  or  affirmation,  before 
some  person  authorized  to  administer  oaths  faithfully 
and  impartially,  to  perform  the  trust  and  duties  re- 
quired of  them  by  this  Act.  Which  oath  or  affirma- 
tion shall  be  filed  with  the  Secretary  of  the  canal  com- 
missioners ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said  ap- 
praisers or  a  majority  of  them,  to  make  a  just  and  equi- 
table estimate  and  appraisal  of  the  loss  and  damage, 
if  any  over  and  above  the  benefit  and  advantage  to  the 
respective  owners  and  proprietors  or  parties  interested 
in  the  premises  so  required  for  the  purposes  aforesaid, 
by  and  in  consequence  of  making  and  coiistructing  any 
of  the  works  aforesaid  ;  and  the  said  appraisers^  or  a 
majority  of  them,  shall  make  regular  entries  of  their 
determination  and  appraisal,  with  an  apt  and  sufficient 
description  of  the  several  premises  appropriated  for  the 
purposes  aforesaid,  in  a  book  or  books  to  be  provided 
and  kept  by  the  canal  commissioners,  and  certify  and 
sign  their  names  to  such  entries  and  appraisal,  and 
in  like  manner  certify  their  determination  as  to  those 
several  premises,  which  will  suffer  no  damages,  or  will 
be  benefited  more  than  injured  by  or  in  consequence  of 
the  works  aforesaid.  And  the  canal  commissioners 
shall  pay  the  damages  so  to  be  assessed  and  appraised, 
and  the  fee  simple  of  the  premises  so  appropriated, 
shall  be  vested  in  the  people  of  this  state. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  whenever  in  the   opi- 


(    271    ) 

mon  of  the  canal  commissioners,  it  shall  be  for  the  in- 
terest of  this  state,  for  the  prosecution  of  the  works 
contemplated  by  this  act,  that  all  the  interest  and  title 
(if  any)  in  law  and  equity  of  the  western  inland  lock 
navigation  company  should  be  vested  in  the  people  of 
this  state,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  said  canal  commis- 
sioners to  pass  a  resolution  to  that  effect;  and  it  shall 
then  be  lawful  for  the  president  of  the  canal  commis- 
sioners, to  cause  a  copy  of  such  resolution,  with  a  notice 
signed  by  himself  and  the  secretary  of  the  said  com- 
missioners, to  be  delivered  to  the  president  or  other 
known  officer  of  the  said  company,  notifying  the  pre- 
sident and  directors  of  the  said  company,  that  an  ap- 
plication will  be  made  to  the  Justices  of  the  Supreme 
Court,  at  a  term  thereof,  to  be  held  not  less  than  thirty 
days  from  the  time  of  giving  such  notice  for  the  ap- 
pointment of  appraisers,  to  estimate  the  damages  to  be 
sustained  by  the  said  company,  by  investing  in  the  peo- 
ple of  this  state,  all  the  lands,  waters,  canals,  locks, 
feeders,  and  appurtenances  thereto  acquired,  used  and 
claimed  by  the  said  company,  under  its  act  of  incorpo- 
ration, and  the  several  acts  amending  the  same ;  and  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Justices  aforesaid,  at  the  term 
mentioned  in  the  said  notice,  and  on  proof  of  the  ser- 
vice thereof,  to  appoint  by  writing  under  the  seal  of  the 
said  Court,  and  the  hands  of  at  least  three  of  the  said 
Justices,  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  five  disinte- 
rested persons,  being  citizens  of  the  United  States,  to 
estimate  and  appraise  the  damages  aforesaid;  and  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said  appraisers,  or  a  majority 
of  them,  to  estimate  and  appraise  the  damages  afore- 
said, and  severally  to  certify  the  same,  under  oath  be- 
fore an  officer  authorized  to  take  the  acknowledgment 
ofdeeds,  to  be  a  just,  equitable,  and  impartial  appraisal 
to  the  best  of  their  judgment  and  belief,  and  shall 
thereupon  deliver  the  same  to  one  of  the  canal  com- 
missioners, who  shall  report  the  same  to  the  said  court; 
and  if  the  said  court  shall  be  of  opinion,  that  the  said 
damages  have  been  fairly  and  equitably  assessed,  the 
said  justices,   or  any   three  of  them,  may  certify  the 


.  (    272    ) 

same  on  the  said  report,  and  the  amount  of  the  said 
damages,  and  the  expenses  of  the  said  apprisal  shall 
be  audited  by  the  comptroller,  and  paid  on  his  warrant 
by  the  treasurer,  out  of  the  canal  fund.  And  the  peo- 
ple of  this  state  shall  thereupon  be  invested  with,  and 
the  said  canal  commissioners  may  cause  to  be  used  all 
the  lands,  waters,  streams,  canals,  locks,  feeders,  and 
appurtenances  aforesaid,  for  the  purposes  intended  by 
this  act. 

And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  for  the  purposes  con- 
templated by  this  Act,  and  for  the  payment  of  the  in- 
terest, and  final  redemption  of  the  principal  of  the 
sums  to  be  borrowed  by  virtue  hereof,  there  shall  be 
and  hereby  are  appropriated  and  pledged,  a  duty  or 
tax,  of  twelve  and  a  half  cents  per  bushel,  upon  all  salt 
to  be  manufactured  in  the  westei-n  district  of  this  State : 
a  tax  of  one  dollar  upon  each  steam-boat  passenger, 
for  each  and  every  trip  or  voyage,  such  passenger  may 
be  conveyed  upon  the  Hudson  River,  on  board  of  9,ny 
steam-boat  over  one  hundred  miles  ;  and  half  that  sum 
for  any  distance  less  than  one  hundred  miles  and  over 
thirty  miles ;  the  proceeds  of  all  lotteries  which  shall 
be  drawn'in  this  State,  after  the  sums  now  granted  upon 
them  shall  be  paid  :  all  the  net  proceeds  of  this  State, 
from  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Navigation  Company: 
and  all  the  net  proceeds  of  the  said  canals  and  each 
part  thereof  when  made  :  all  grants  and  donations 
made  or  to  be  made  for  the  purpose  of  making  the 
said  canals  :  all  the  duties  upon  sales  at  auction,  after 
deducting  thereout  twenty-three  thousand  and  five  hun- 
dred dollars,  annually  appropriated  to  the  hospital,the 
Economical  School,  and  the  Orphan  Asylum  Society, 
and  ten  thousand  dollars  hereby  appropriated  annually 
for  the  support  of  foreign  poor  in  the  city  of  New- York. 
And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  from,  and  after 
the  first  Tuesday  of  August  next,  there  shall  be  paid 
and  collected  in  the  manner  now  directed  by  law,  upon 
all  salt  to  be  manufactured  in  the  county  of  Onondaga, 
a  duty  of  twelve  and  a  half  cents  per  bushel  instead  of 
the  present  duties,  and  the  like  tax  or  duty  of  twelve 


(    273    ) 

and  a  half  cents  per  bushel,  upon  all  other  salt  to  be 
manufactured  in  the  western  district  of  this  state,  which 
shall  be  collected  by  the  superintendent  of  the  salt 
springs,  until  otherwise  directed  bj  the  Legislature  : 
and  for  that  purpose  he  shall  have  a  responsible  de- 
puty residing  at  each  place  where  salt  is,  or  may  be 
manufactured,  with  the  like  powers,  and  subject  to  the 
like  duties  as  his  present  deputies:  and  that  all  the 
provisions,  forfeitures,  penalties,  and  restrictions  con- 
tained in  the  laws  relative  to  the  duties  upon  Onondaga 
salt,  so  far  as  the  same  may  be  applicable,  shall  be  in 
force  for  the  purposes  of  enforcing  the  payment  and 
collection  of  the  tax  or  duties  imposed  on  salt,  hereby 
levied  and  imposed :  and  further,  that  the  said  superin- 
tendent, instead  of  a  yearly  report  to  the  legislature, 
shall  make  a  yearly  report  to  the  commissioners  of  the 
canal  fund,  and  pay  into  the  treasury  of  this  state,  on 
the  first  Tuesday  of  February,  May,  August,  and  No- 
vember, in  each  year,  all  the  monies  collected  by  him 
during  the  quarter  preceding  each  of  those  days,  de- 
ducting in  addition  to  what  by  law  is  now  allowed  to 
be  deducted,  five  per  cent,  of  the  duties  collected  at 
all  other  salt  works,  not  situated  in  the  county  of  On- 
ondoga,  and  two  per  cent,  of  the  duties  upon  Ononda- 
ga salt,  as  a  compensation  for  the  collecting  and  paying 
over  the  same. 

And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  said  canal  commissioners,  to  raise  the  sum  of 
two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars,  to  be  appro- 
priated towards  the  making  and  completing  of  the  said 
canals,  from  the  Mohawk  River  to  the  Seneca  River, 
and  from  Lake  Champlain  to  Hudson's  River,  by  caus- 
ing to  be  assessed  and  levied  in  such  manner  as  the 
said  commissioners  may  determine,  and  direct  the  said 
sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars  upon 
the  lands  and  real  estate,  lying  along  the  route  of  the 
said  canals,  and  within  twenty-five  miles  of  the  same, 
on  each  side  thereof:  which  sum  so  to  be  assessed  and 
levied,  shall  be  assessed  on  ths  said  lands  and  real  es- 
tate adjacent  to  the  said  several  canals,  in  such  pro- 

35 


(     274     ) 

portion  for  each,  as  the  said  commissioners  shall  deter- 
mine. And  the  said  commissioners  shall  have  power  to 
make  such  rules  and  regulations,  and  adopt  such  mea- 
sures for  the  assessing,  levying,  and  collecting  of  the  sum 
or  sums  ofmoney,eitherby  sale  of  the  said  lands  or  other- 
wise, as  they  shall  deem  meet,  and  the  said  assessment 
shall  be  made  on  said  lands,  according  to  the  benefit 
which  they  shall  be  considered  by  the  said  commission- 
ers,as  deriving  from  the  making  of  the  said  canals,  re- 
spectively :  Provided,  That  such  rules,  regulations,  and 
measures,  shall,  before  they  are  carried  into  effect,  be 
sanctioned  and  approved  by  the  chancellor  and  judges 
of  the  Supreme  Court,  or  a  majority  of  them :  And  pro- 
vided further^  That  the  company,  or  individual  subject  to 
such  tax,  shall  subscribe  any  money  or  other  property 
towards  the  completion  of  the  said  canals,  the  amount 
of  such  donation  or  voluntary  subscriptions,  shall,  if  the 
same  is  less  than  the  amount  of  the  tax,  be  deducted 
therefrom,  and  if  more,  he  or  they  shall  be  entirely  dis- 
charged from  the  said  tax. 

And  he  it  further  enacted,  That  from,  and  after  the  first 
day  of  May  next,  the  aforesaid  tax  upon  steam-boat 
passengers,  shall  be  demanded,  taken,  and  received, 
by  each  captain,  or  master  of  every  steam-boat,  navi- 
gating the  Hudson  river;  and,  that  during  each  month 
thereafter,  in  which  such  boat  shall  be  employed  for 
the  conveyance  of  passengers,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
such  captain  or  master,  to  cause  to  be  delivered  to  the 
comptroller  of  this  state,  a  return  or  account  sworn  to, 
before  some  officer  authorized  to  administer  oaths, 
stating  the  name  of  the  boat,  the  number  of  trips  made 
by  such  boat  during  such  month,  and  the  whole  number 
of  passengers  conveyed  on  board  such  boat,  at  each  of 
the  said  trips,  over  one  hundred  miles,  and  the  number 
conveyed  less  than  one  hundred  miles,  and  over  thirty 
miles,  and  pay  into  the  treasury  of  this  state,  the  amount 
of  such  tax  collected  during  the  time  mentioned  in  the 
said  return,  deducting  three  per  cent,  thereof,  as  a  com- 
pensation for  making  such  return,  and  collecting  and 
paying  over  the  said  tax :  And  further,  that  in  case  of  any 
neglect  or  refusal  in  making  such  return,  or  collecting 


(    273    ) 

and  paying  over  the  tax,  as  directed  in  and  by  this  sec- 
tion,the  captain  or  master  so  neglecting,shall  forfeit  and 
pay  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars,  beside  the  amount 
of  the  tax  so  directed  to  be  collected  and  paid  over, 
to  be  recovered  in  an  action  of  debt  in  the  name  of  the 
people  of  this  state,  and  for  the  use  of  the  aforesaid 
fund. 

State  of  New-York,  ) 
Secretary^  Office.    ^ 

I  certify  the  preceding  to  be  a  true  copy  of  an  original  act  of  the 
legislature  of  this  state,  on  file  in  this  ofl&ce. 

Archibald  Cambpell, 
Deputy  Secretary, 
April  15,  1817. 


REPORT 

OF    THE 

CANAL  COMMISSIONERS. 


Pursuant  to  the  requisitions  of  the  act,  entitled,  "  An  act  to 
provide  for  the  improvement  of  the  internal  navigation  of 
this  state,''"'  passed  April  17,  1816  ;  and  of  the  act,  enti- 
tled, "  An  act  respecting  navigable  communications  between 
the  Great  Western  and  Northern  Lakes  and  the  Atlantic 
Ocean^''  passed  April  15,  1817,  the  Canal  Commissioners 
respectfully  present  to  the  Legislature  the  following  Re- 
port : — 

As  early  in  the  spring  a«  was  practicable,  operations 
w^ere  commenced  at  Rome,  by  a  careful  re-examination 
of  the  line  of  the  canal,  and  of  the  levels  of  the  preced- 
ing year.  This  re-examination  induced  a  belief,  that 
the  short  summit  level  at  Rome,  mentioned  in  the  re- 
port, and  indicated  on  the  map  of  last  year,  might  be 
entirely  avoided,  and  instead  thereof,  a  long  summit 
obtained,  extending  from  the  Mohawk  river  to  the  vici- 
nity of  the  salt  works  at  Salina.   By  this  arrangement, 


(   276    ) 

the  cost  of  constructing  two  locks,  the  delay  of  passing 
them,  and  the  future  expense  of  repairs,  would  for  ever 
be  saved  and  prevented.  Add  to  this,  the  new  and  ex- 
tended summit  would  command,  at  all  times,  an  inex- 
haustible supply  of  water,  embracing  the  Oriskany 
Creek,  the  Mohawk  River,  Wood  Creek,  and  the  more 
numerous  and  copious  streams  west  of  Wood  Creek, 
which  cross  the  line  of  the  canal,  and  discharge  them- 
selves into  Oneida  Lake.  After  a  minute  and  labori- 
ous examination,  this  alteration  was  adopted. 

The  law  of  April  15,  1817,  directs  the  construction 
of  the  middle  section  "  between  the  Mohawk  and  Se- 
neca Rivers,"  without  designating  any  point  of  union 
with  either  of  the  said  rivers.  The  commissioners 
therefore  believed  themselves  vested  with  a  discre- 
tionary power  which  would  authorize  them  to  approach 
either  of  the  said  rivers,  at  such  place  as  would  most 
conduce  to  the  public  good.  Not  only  from  actual  ob- 
servation, but  from  information  derived  from  the  most 
unquestionable  authority,  it  was  ascertained,  that  the 
Mohawk  River,  from  Rome  to  Utica,  is  extremely  ser- 
pentine in  its  course ;  and  that  its  navigation,  in  low 
water,  is  much  more  difficult  and  imperfect  than  below 
the  village  of  Utica ;  so  much  so,  that  this  part  of  the 
route  of  the  western  inland  lock  navigation,  frequently 
becomes  a  portage ;  boats  being  lightened  or  unloaded 
west  of  Rome,  and  their  cargoes  carried  by  land  to 
Utica,  where  they  are  re-loaded  into  boats  and  trans- 
ported down  the  Mohawk.  Anticipating  that  the  chan- 
nel of  the  Mohawk  river  may  be  used  for  the  purposes 
of  navigation,  for  some  time  after  the  completion  of  the 
middle  section,  before  the  eastern  section  will  be  con- 
structed, it  was  deemed  advi'sable  to  extend  the  mid- 
dle section  as  far  east  as  the  village  of  Utica. 

By  a  reference  to  the  report  of  last  year,  it  will  be 
found  that  a  sum  estimated  at  $75,000  was  assigned  to 
the  purchase  of  "  utensils,  such  as  carts,  ploughs,  scra- 
pers wheel-barrows,  iron  bars,  pick-axes,  shovels, 
chains,  temporary  work-shops,  barracks,  &;c."  This 
item  of  anticipated  expenditure,  was  made  on  the  au- 


(    277    ) 

thority  of  precedents,  derived  from  the  best  English 
engineers;  and  it  was  supposed  at  the  time,  that  it 
would  be  expedient  for  the  state  to  purchase  the  utensils ' 
and  incur  the  expense.  But  further  reflections  satisfied 
the  commissioners  that  a  more  economical  course  might 
be  pursued.  They  therefore  determined  to  let  out  the 
canal  in  short  sections  or  jobs  to  contractors,  who 
should  furnish  their  own  tools,  and  be  paid  a  stipulated 
price  per  cubic  yard,  ior  excavation  and  for  embank- 
ment. It  was  believed  that  under  this  arrangement,  the 
necessary  utensils  would  be  much  better  preserved 
from  injury  and  destruction,  than  they  would  were  they 
the  property  of  the  state,;  it  was  foreseen  also,  that  a 
set  of  tools  in  the  hands  of  a  contractor  who  had  finish- 
ed one  job,  would  furnish  him  with  a  strong  inducement 
to  engage  in  another;  and  it  was  obvious,  that  the  tools 
which  should  remain  in  the  hands  of  an  individual  after 
the  completion  of  any  section  of  the  canal,  might  in 
a  great  measure  be  usefully  applied  to  the  reparation 
of  roads,  or  to  the  purposes  of  agriculture ;  whereas 
they  would,  as  the  property  of  the  state,  turn  to  little 
account. 

These  preliminaries  being  settled,  preparations  were 
made  for  dividing  the  canal  line  into  short  and  con- 
venient sections  preparatory  to  its  being  let  to  con- 
tractors. The  engineers  were  directed  to  arrange 
these  sections  in  such  manner,  as  that  every  section, 
if  practicable,  should  have  a  brook,  ravine  or  low  piece 
of  ground  at  either  end,  so  that  every  contractor  might 
have  the  advantage  of  draining  his  works,  without  in- 
terfering with  any  adjoining  contract.  Augers  of  near- 
ly four  inches  in  diameter,  and  with  a  shaft  of  twelve 
feet  in  length,  were  procured,  with  which  the  earth 
was  perforated,  along  the  canal  line,  at  short  distances, 
to  the  necessary  depth,  in  order  that  every  alternation 
in  its  strata,  its  hardness  or  softness,  its  inclination  to 
vegetable  matter,  clay,  loam,  sand,  gravel  or  other 
substance,  and  also  its  porosity  or  impermeability  to 
w^ater,  might  be  ascertained  with  the  greatest  possible 
accuracy. 


(  278      ) 

The  levels  of  the  preceding  year,  were  not  only  care- 
fully re-examined,  but  lateral  levels  were  frequently 
made  on  each  side  of  the  line,  with  a  view  to  improve 
its  location  wherever  the  nature  of  the  ground  would 
permit;  and  this  was  often  found  practicable.  The  en- 
gineers were  directed,  in  addition  to  permanent  bench- 
marks, to' place  three  rows  of  stakes,  the  middle  row 
to  mark  the  centre  of  the  canal,  and  the  two  outside 
rows,  which  were  to  be  sixty  feet  apart,  to  designate 
the  extremities  of  the  part  to  be  grubbed,  wherever  that 
operation  was  necessary.  Two  other  rows  of  stakes 
were  placed  in  such  manner  as  to  designate  the  width 
of  excavation,  conforming  also  to  the  curves  into  which 
the  angles  on  the  line  were  converted,  and  varying 
in  their  distance  from  each  other  in  a*  ratio  combining 
the  depth  of  cutting  and  the  declivity  of  the  surface 
of  the  ground.  The  engineers  also  made  perspicuous 
profiles  of  all  the  sections  separately  ;  marking  them 
alphabetically,  or  numerically ;  designating  the  dis- 
tance embraced  by  each,  and  noting  the  variations 
of  soil,  the  quality  and  quantity  of  timber  to  be 
grubbed  and  cleared,  and  other  peculiarities. — These 
sectional  maps,  together  with  drafts  and  plans  for  aque- 
ducts, culverts,   &c.  are  herewith  presented 

After  the  extension  of  the  summit  level  had  been  de- 
termined, an  extension  which  it  is  believed  renders  it 
superior  in  length  to  any  summit  level  in  the  world, 
considerable  solicitude  was  felt,  lest  with  all  the  care 
and  accuracy  of  the  engineers  some  deviation  from  an 
exact  water  level  might  be  made  on  so  long  a  line. — 
While  Benjamin  Wright,  Esquire,  was  re-examining 
and  laying  off  sections  from  Rome,  west  along  the  ca- 
nal line,  it  was  deemed  expedient,  as  a  test  to  the  ac- 
curacy of  the  work,  that  James  Geddes,  Esquire,  should 
start,  at  a  given  point  on  the  canal  line,  at  Rome,  and 
carry  a  level  along  the  road  to  the  east  end  of  Oneida 
Lake,  marking  on  permanent  objects  the  height  of  the 
surface  of  the  water  while  the  lake  was  tranquil,  at  va- 
rious places  from  the  east  to  the  west  end,  along  its 
southern  shore ;  that  he  should  then  connect  by  a  le- 


(     279     ) 

vel,  the  Oneida  with  the  Onondaga  Lake ;  after  which 
he  was  to  carry  a  level  from  the  last  mentioned  lake,  at 
Salina,  south  about  one  and  a  fourth  miles  to  the  ca- 
nal line,  and  from  thence  to  work  to  the  east,  laying 
off  sections  along  the  canal  line.  This  was  accom- 
plished, and  nine  miles  at  the  west  end  of  the  summit 
level  were  laid  out  into  sections.  And  the  commis- 
sioners have  the  satisfaction  to  state,  that  when  the 
level  of  Mr.  Wright  had  been  carried  along  the  canal 
line,  to  the  place  where  Mr.  Geddes  had  terminated 
his  line,  the  levels  of  these  engineers,  which  embraced 
a  circuit,  from  the  place  of  departure  to  the  junction, 
of  nearly  one  hundred  miles,  differed  from  each  other 
less  than  one  and  an  half  inches !  This  result,  so  satis- 
factory, exhibits  in  the  engineers  a  degree  of  care, 
skill  and  precision,  in  the  delicate  process  of  levelling, 
which  has  perhaps  never  been  exceeded. 

Isaac  Briggs,  Esquire,  an  eminent  mathematician, 
who  had  been  employed  by  the  Commissioners  as  an 
engineer,  after  procuring  the  necessary  instruments, 
was  directed  to  operate  between  Rome  and  Utica. 

This  part  of  the  line  was  in  general  less  encumbered 
with  forest  trees,  and  offered  fewer  obstructions  to  a 
fair  and  speedy  experiment  in  excavation  than  any 
other.  The  necessary  preliminary  examinations  had 
occupied  much  time,  so  that  the  season  was  already  far 
advanced,  and  had  become  excessively  wet;  the  de- 
mands for  contracts  already  increased-  beyond  every 
exertion  to  supply  them ;  it  seemed  very  important  that 
in  the  course  of  the  season  such  progress  should  be 
made  in  the  works,  as  would  present  to  the  people  of 
the  state  as  satisfactory  a  test  as  possible,  of  the  cor- 
rectness or  incorrectness  of  the  estimates  of  last  year  : 
it  was  necessary  before  the  contracts  could  be  made  to 
determine  the  exact  dimensions  of  all  the  works,  and 
the  precise  manner  of  their  construction;  to  calculate 
the  cubic  contents  of  masonry  in  every  aqueduct  and 
bridge,  so  that  a  sufficient  quantity  of  proper  materials 
might  be  provided :  in  short,  to  settle  all  the  details  and 
provisions  of  a  great  variety  of  miscellaneous  contracts, 


(     280     ) 

of  which  hardly  any  two  are  to  be  found  exactly  simi- 
lar to  each  other.  Oppressed  by  that  weight  of  re- 
sponsibility, which  is  the  necessary  concomitant  of  such 
a  complication  of  important  concerns,  the  acting  com- 
missioners felt  that  the  united  exertions  of  the  engi- 
neers and  of  themselves  were  indispensable,  until  by 
their  labours  these  multifarious  details  should  have  as- 
sumed, in  some  measure,  an  organized  form.  These 
considerations,  it  is  hoped,  will  furnish  a  sufficient 
apology  for  not  having  divided  their  exertions  at  an 
earlier  period,  and  simultaneously  attended  to  the 
Champlain  canal,  as  was  at  first  intended,  and  as  it 
seems  was  contemplated  by  the  law  which  authorizes 
its  construction. 

After  performing  the  above  services,  James  Geddes, 
Esquire,  was  directed  to  operate  between  Rome  and 
Utica,  until  that  part  of  the  line  should  be  ready  for 
contracts ;  after  which  he  was  instructed  to  repair  to 
the  Champlain  canal,  he  having  been  previously  disig- 
nated  as  its  engineer. 

The  first  contract  is  dated  the  27th  June,  1817,  but 
owing  to  the  time  necessarily  spent  by  the  contractors 
in  preparation,  it  was  not  until  the  4th  of  July  that  the 
excavation  was  commenced. 

Although  the  contracts  are  various  and  dissimilar, 
in  conformity  to  the  localities  of  the  line  which  they 
respectively  embrace,  yet  there  are  some  general  pro- 
visions applicable  to  every  contract  for  grubbing  and 
clearing,  for  excavation  and  for  embankment,  which 
will  be  seen  in  the  forms  marked  A.B.C.  hereto  an- 
nexed, The  form  of  a  contract  for  stone,  marked  D ; 
of  a  contract  for  the  construction  of  road  bridges, 
marked  E. ;  and  of  a  contract  for  cast  iron  culverts, 
marked  F.,  are  also  added.  Some  of  the  contracts  for 
stone  provide  that  they  shall  be  paid  for  according  to 
the  measurement  by  the  cord  at  the  place  of  delivery : 
others  according  to  the  cubic  measurement  in  the  wall, 
after  they  are  laid,  and  others  at  so  much  per  ton, 
weighed  at  the  place  of  delivery. 

A  schedule  Marked  G,  hereto  annexed,  contains  the 


(     281    ) 

names  of  all  the  contractors,  the  dates,  extent,  nature 
and  prices  of  the  several  contracts,  the  respective  times 
when  they  are  to  be  completed,  and  also  the  sums  of 
money  paid  or  advanced  upon  each  of  them. 

It  v*^ill  be  perceived  that  the  length  of  line,  embraced 
by  the  several  contracts  for  excavation  and  for  embank- 
ment,varies  from  40  rods,  to  three  miles.  The  contracts, 
generally  were  made  to  embrace  less  than  would  other- 
wise have  been  necessary,  in  order  that  men  in  mode- 
rate pecuniary  circumstances  might  be  enabled  to  en- 
gage in  the  work,  provided  they  could  procure  the  ne- 
cessary security.  And  although  this  multiplication  of 
the  contracts  created  much  more  trouble  and  labour 
for  the  commissioners  than  a  contrary  course  would 
have  done,  as  on  every  job  it  was  necessary  not  only  to 
draw  and  execute  a  contract,  but  also  a  counterpart 
thereof,  so  that  each  party  might  have  one  in  his  pos- 
session, yet  this  was  obviously  more  just  and  equitable, 
than  by  a  diminution  of  the  number  of  contracts  to 
have  put  it  in  the  power  of  a  few  wealthy  individuals 
to  have  monopolized  the  whole,  and  to  have  made  sub- 
contracts, at  reduced  prices,  with  the  labouring  part 
of  the  community. 

It  was  usually  the  case,  when  a  contract  was  made, 
that  the  contractor  wished  for  an  advance  in  money,  in 
some  degree  proportionate  to  the  extent  of  his  con- 
tract, to  enable  him  to  procure  teams,  utensils,  provi- 
sions, &c.  A  sum  for  this  purpose  was  generally  ad- 
vanced, on  the  security  of  some  responsible  individual 
or  individuals,  who  became  jointly  and  severally  bound 
with  the  contractor  that  the  job  should  be  finished  by 
the  time  and  in  the  manner  specified  in  the  contract, 
or  that  the  money  should  be  refunded  with  interest ; 
and  further,  that  the  amount  of  the  sum  advanced, 
should  be  expended  in  labour  towards  the  completion 
of  the  contract  within  a  reasonable  time,  (generally  two 
months,)  or,  in  default  thereof,  that  ttie  said  sum  should 
be  repaid  on  demand,  with  interest.  This  obligation 
was  generally  written  on  the  back  of  the  contract,  ac- 
cording to  the  form  hereto  annexed,  marked  H. 

36 


(    282    ) 

in  the  execution  of  contracts  for  excavation,  and  for 
embankment,  there  are  great  opportunities  for  decep- 
tion, by  neglecting  to  remove,  in  an  effectual  manner, 
from  the  foundation  of  the  works,  all  the  porous  and 
perishable  matter,  and  by  constructing  the  internal  and 
concealable  parts  of  the  banks  of  improper  materials. 
To  prevent  this,  the  engineers  were  instructed  to  ex- 
amine the  works  as  often  as  their  other  avocations  would 
permit ;  and  also  to  employ  faithful,  active  and  vigilant 
assistants,  who  were  frequently  to  traverse  the  line, and 
carefully  inspect  every  job,  and  commit  to  writing, 
and  report  to  the  engineer,  every  departure  from  a  ri- 
gid compliance  with  the  respective  contracts.  The 
commissioners,  also,  as  far  as  time  would  allow,  super- 
intended the  execution  of  all  the  works.  The  contracts 
were  drawn  in  such  manner  (as  will  be  perceived  by 
the  forms)  that  every  contractor  was  compelled  to  finish 
his  whole  job,  and  have  it  inspected  and  accepted  by 
the  engineer,  before  he  was  entitled  to  receive  any 
part  of  his  pay.  They,  however,  received  a  verbal  as- 
surance from  the  commissioners,  that  while  the  works 
were  carried  on  in  a  faithful  manner,  monthly  payments 
should  be  made,  amounting  nearly  to  the  value  of  the 
labour  expended  on  the  job,  calculated  jwro  rata  accord- 
ing to  the  prices  mentioned  in  the  contract,  and  de- 
ducting all  previous  advances  and  payments  ;  but,  that 
if  any  attempt  at  deception  was  discovered  in  the 
works,  these  payments  should  be  entirely  suspended, 
and  a  strict  compliance  with  the  contract  enforced, 
arrangements  were  also  made  to  fill  the  canal  with 
water,  after  the  completion  of  a  job,  and  previous  to  a 
settlement  with  the  contractor,  in  every  place  where 
this  was  practicable ;  so  that  the  leaks,  if  any,  might  be 
at  once  discovered  and  repaired,  at  the  expense  of 
the  contractor. 

When  it  is  considered  that  the  greatest  part  of  the 
contractors  are  men  of  property  and  respectability, 
whose  reputations  are  intimately  connected  with  a 
faithful  performance  of  their  contracts,. and  when  refe- 
rence is  had  to  the  many  guards  and  precautions,  which 


(    283    ) 

are  calculated  to  insure  the  same  result,  it  may  be 
safely  anticipated,  that  the  canal  will  be  constructed  in 
the  most  substantial  and  durable  manner. 

The  distance  now  under  contract,  is  about  fifty-eight 
miles,  and  is  wholly  on  the  summit  level.     A  few  rods 
on  each  side  of  Oriskany  creek,  have  not  been  let  out, 
but  are  reserved  in  order  that  the  surplus  earth  may  be 
used  in  the  construction  of  a  dam,  which  is  to  be  built 
across  that  stream.     More  or  less  labour  has  been  ap- 
plied along  the  whole  extent  of  the  line  under  contract, 
according  to  the  means  of  the  several  contractors,  and 
the  time  aflfbrded  to  each  of  them  after  the  date  of  the 
contract,  before  the  close  of  the  season. — The  greatest 
part  of  the  contractors  suspended   their  operations  at 
the  freezing  of  the  ground,  though  several  of  them  have 
continued    to   labour  on  their  jobs  up  to  the  present 
time.  About  two  thirds  of  the  whole  distance  is  through 
new  and  uncleared  land,  and  of  course  required  grub- 
bing and  clearing ;  the  greatest  part  of  which  has  been 
completed.  Considerable  progress  has  also  been  made 
on  about  two-thirds  of  the  jobs  in  excavation  and  em- 
bankment.    One  job  has  been  completed  and  inspect- 
ed, and  a  final  settlement  made  with  the    contractors. 
Another  is  so  far   finished,  as  to  be  fit  for  use;  but  it 
will  nevertheless  require  a  few  days  additional  labour, 
to  give  it  that  beauty  and  symmetry  which  are  contem- 
plated by  the  contract;  and  arrangements   are  also 
made  to  fill  it  with  water  before  a  final  settlement  is  had 
with  the  contractor.  Detached  pieces  likewise  are  com- 
pleted on  many  others :  Indeed  contracts  may  be  seen 
in  every  stage  of  progression,  from  a  bare  commence- 
ment to  a  completion.  A  pretty  correct  idea  can  be  form- 
ed of  the  amount  of  labour,  which  has  been  applied  to 
each  contract,  by  reference  to  the  prices,  and  to  the 
amount  paid  to  the  respective  contractors.  It  ought,how- 
ever,   to  be  noted,  that  from  ^200  to  ^1000  each   was 
advanced  on  security,  in  December  last,  to  the  greatest 
part  of  the  contractors,  to  enable  them  to  take  advan- 
tage of  the  market,  in  purchasing  beef,  pork,  flour,  and 
other  stores  and  provision  for  the  next  season.     From 


(    284    ) 

the  best  estimate  that  can  be  formed,  it  is  believed^ 
that  the  amount  of  labour  which  has  been  applied  on 
the  whole  line,  would  have  completed,  if  concentrated, 
the  average  excavation  and  embankment  of  about  fif- 
teen miles. 

Much  useful  experience  has  been  acquired  in  the 
course  of  the  season.  Many  valuable  improvements 
have  been  made  in  the  method  of  grubbing  standing 
timber.  It  has  been  ascertained  that  much  labour  in 
excavation  is  saved,  especially  in  dry  ground,  by  the 
use  of  the  plough  and  *  scraper :  and  it  is  found  that 
banks  constructed  in  this  way,  by  being  constantly  tra- 
velled over  by  the  teams  with  their  loads,  are  much 
more  solid,  and  less  liable  to  leakage,  than  those  which 
are  made  after  the  European  method  with  the  spade 
and  wheel-barrow.  And  even  with  the  spade  and 
wheel-barrow,  more  progress  can  be  made  in  excava- 
tion, than  was  supposed.  As  an  exemplification  of  this 
remark,  the  commissioners  state  with  the  fullest  confi- 
dence, on  the  authority  of  Messrs.  Pease,  Mosely,  and 
Dexter,  that  three  Irishmen  in  their  employ,  finished, 
including  banks  and  towing-path,  three  rods  of  the  ca- 
nal, in  four  feet  cutting,  in  the  space  of  five  and  a  half 
days.  Thus  sixteen  and  a  half  days  work,  accomplish- 
ed the  excavation  of  two  hundred  forty-nine  and  one- 
third  cubic  yards;  which  at  twelve  and  a  half  cents  per 
cubic  yard,  would  produce  to  each  workmam  the  very 
liberal  wages  of  one  dollar  and  eighty  eight  cents 
per  day. 

It  is  believed  that  the  prices  which  the  contractors 
receive  for  the  several  kinds  of  work,  will  afford  them, 
in  ordinary  seasons,  a  generous  compensation  for  their 
labour  and  superintendence.  The  contractors  in  gene- 
ral feel  confident  of  this  ;  and  those  who  have  done  the 
most  towards  the  accomplishment  of  their  jobs,  feel  the 
greatest  degree  of  encouragement.  Several  of  them, 
as  will  be  perceived,  have  taken  second  jobs ;  and 
others  have  made  application  for  them,  but  could  not 
be  accommodated.  Those  who  have  finished  particu- 
lar pieces,  have  been  able  to  make  calculations  of  their 


(    285    ) 

loss  or  gain  with  mathematical  certainty;  and  not  an 
instance  of  this  kind  is  known,  in  which  it  has  been 
shown  that  the  prices  do  not  pay  for  the  labour.  Mr. 
Richardson,  who  has  completed  his  first  job,  except 
giving  it  the  last  finish,  which  will  not  probably  require 
more  than  ten  or  fifteen  days  labour,  alledges  that  he 
has  kept  an  account  of  his  expenditures,  and  that  not- 
withstanding the  unfavGurableness  of  the  season,  he 
shall  clear  the  whole  of  his  tools  and  utensils.  The 
excavation  of  this  job,  running  through  low  ground, 
was  almost  incessantly  interrupted  or  incommoded  by 
repeated  inundations.  The  contractors,  in  general  af- 
firm, that  they  have  been  insured  from  20  to  30  per 
cent,  by  the  extraordinary  wetness  of  the  season. 

The  rains  have  surpassed  in  extent  and  duration,  all 
former  example.  More  water  has  flowed  in  the  Mo- 
hawk river  the  past  summer  than  was  ever  before  wit- 
nessed in  any  season  by  the  oldest  inhabitants.  Its  ex- 
tensive intervale  lands,  have  been  several  times  deluged: 
and  at  Rome,  it  raised  so  high  in  October  last,  that  a 
part  of  its  waters,  overflowing  the  dividing  lands  be- 
tween the  river  and  Wood  creek,  passed  down  that 
creek  and  were  of  course  discharged  into  the  ocean  by 
the  St.  Lawrence :  thus  converting  the  northern  and 
eastern  parts  of  this  state,  and,  indeed,  all  the  country 
east  of  the  Hudson,  and  south  of  the  St,  Lawrence,  in- 
to an  island. 

But  although  these  excessive  rains  have  been  so  de- 
trimental to  the  contractors,  yet  they  have  furnished  a 
volume  of  experience,  which  cannot  fail  to  be  immense- 
ly valuable  to  the  state,  in  the  great  works  of  internal 
improvement  which  have  been  commenced.  Indeed, 
with  minds  accustomed  to  view  in  every  occurrence  a 
particular  dispensation  of  a  benign  and  superintend- 
ing Providence,  the  two  last  seasons  cannot  but  be  re- 
garded with  pecuHar  interest.  In  181 6,  when  the  whole 
of  both  routes,  from  lake  Erie  and  from  lake  Champlain 
to  the  navigable  waters  of  the  Hudson,  embracing  an 
extent  of  more  than  four  hundred  miles,  was  to  be  ex- 
amined and"  explored,  the  season  was  uncommonly  dry 


(     286    ) 

and  favourable ;  and  perhaps  more  useful  and  extensive 
surveys  and  levels  were  made,  than  were  ever  before 
accomplished  in  one  year  in  any  age  or  country :  And 
in  1817,  when  the  works  were  to  be  commenced,  no 
season  was  ever  marked  with  such  repeated  inunda- 
tions ;  as  if,  to  indicate  at  the  commencement,  by  the 
height,  impetuosity  and  durability  of  the  greatest 
floods,  the  exact  dimensions  and  strength  of  the  works, 
necessary  to  discharge  or  resist  them. 

The  examinations  of  last  year,  which  have  been 
so  minute  and  critical  that  no  important  obstructions 
could  have  escaped  them,  have  strongly  demonstrated 
the  practicability  of  carrying  on  these  important 
works. 

The  ground  is  so  well  calculated  for  a  canal,  that 
the  commissioners  feel  very  confident,  that  in  the  dis- 
tance of  more  than  fifty  eight  miles  between  Utica  and 
Salina,  there  is  not  to  exceed  half  a  mile  which  will 
probably  require  puddling. 

This  half  mile  is  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Whitesbo- 
rough ;  and  even  with  respect  to  this,  strong  expecta- 
tions are  entertained,  that  without  this  process  it  will  be- 
come water  tight.  So  few  rocks  or  stones  exist  on  the 
whole  extent  of  the  summit  level,  that  it  is  believed 
S500  would  be  more  than  sufficient  to  remove  every 
obstruction  of  this  kind.  In  the  town  of  Manlius,  two  or 
three  points  of  shelly,  rotten  limestone,  of  a  slaty  struc- 
ture such  as  generally  forms  the  roof  or  covering  of 
plaster  beds,  have  been  discovered,  and  are  indicated 
on  the  profiles  ; — and  on  the  contract  of  Mr.Gumar, 
in  this  town,  fine  chrystalized  gypsum  has  been  dug 
up  and  laid  bare  by  the  excavation.  In  the  whole  ex- 
tent of  the  summit  level,  there  is  not  a  ravine  to  be 
filled  up,  or  a  ridge  to  be  cut  down  in  which  the  great- 
est deviation  of  the  surface  of  the  earth  from  the  top 
water  line  amounts  to  eighteen  feet.  The  average 
depth  of  cutting,  for  the  whole  distance,  is  less  than  five 
feet ;  and  an  embankment  one  seventeenth  part  of  the 
distance,  ten  feet  high,  would  amount  to  all  the  com- 
bined works  of  that  kind  which  are  necessary. 


(    287    ) 

A  reference  to  the  former  report  will  show,  that 
the  contracts  on  the  whole  are  within  the  estimates.  It 
is  true,  that  as  respects  the  contracts  for  excavation, 
separately  considered,  although  some  of  them  are  as 
low  as  eleven  cents,  per  cubic  yard,  yet  in  the  aggre- 
gate they  will,  in  a  trifling  degree,  exceed  the  esti- 
mates. But  by  an  examination  of  the  sectional  maps, 
it  will  be  seen,  that  some  of  these  contracts  include 
small  ravines,  over  which  short  embankments  were  ne- 
cessary ;  and  in  some  cases  of  this  kind,  where  the  sur- 
plus earth  from  the  parts  to  be  excavated  was  supposed 
to  be  sufficient  to  form  the  embankments,  nothing  was 
allowed  eo  nomine  for  the  embankments  ;  but  such  sum, 
by  the  cubic  yard,  for  the  excavation,  was  agreed  on, 
as  was  deemed  suflScient  to  cover  this  extra  labour. — 
This  was  the  case  in  the  first  contract  of  Mr.  Richard- 
son, and  in  several  others  of  the  earliest  contracts,  as 
will  be  perceived  by  the  profiles  of  the  sections  which 
they  embrace. 

The  reduction  of  the  short  summit  level  at  Rome 
created  between  two  and  three  feet  additional  depth 
of  cutting  for  about  three  miles  in  length  ;  and  this  ex- 
tra depth  required  an  enhancement  in  the  price  of  ex- 
cavation :  but  it  should  be  noted,  that  the  saving  of  the 
cost  of  constructing  two  locks,  in  addition  to  other  ad- 
vantages, will  much  more  than  counterbalance  this  en- 
hancement of  expense. 

The  estimates  allowed  for  grubbing  and  clearing 
through  uncleared  land,  $1500  per  mile;  and  by  a  ref- 
erence to  the  contracts  it  will  be  perceived  that  the  pri- 
ces to  be  paid  average  about  Si 200  per  mile.  The  es- 
timated price  for  building  a  road  bridge  was  ;^500 — 
whereas  the  whole  have  been  contracted  for  between 
Utica  and  Salina,  and  wit&  a  warranty  that  they  shall 
stand  firm  and  secure  for  five  years,  at  an  average  of 
$335  each.  The  culverts  are  to  be  made  of  cast  iron. 
They  will  probably  cost  as  much,  and  possibly  rather 
more  than  the  estimates;  but  their  permanency  and 
durability,  will,  it  is  believed,  make  them  cheaper  in 
the  end,  than  though  they  had  been  constructed  in  the 


(    288    ) 

ordinary  manner.  In  comparing  the  amount  to  be 
paid  upon  the  contracts  with  the  former  estimates,  it 
should  not  be  forgotten  that  all  the  contractors  furnish 
their  own  tools,  by  which  the  state  is  relieved  from  a 
very  serious  item  of  expense. 

On  the  whole,  the  commissioners  feel  satisfied  from 
the  experience  of  last  year,  that  with  care  and  econo- 
my, and  also  with  the  aid  of  the  labour-saving  improve- 
ments which  may  be  reasonably  anticipated  during  the 
progress  of  the  works,  the  Erie  and  Champlain  canals 
may  be  completed  for  a  sum  which  shall  not  exceed  the 
estimates 

About  the  5th  of  Semptember,  Mr.  Geddes  com- 
menced the  re-examination  of  the  Champlain  canal.— 
Considerable  time  was  spent  in  exploring,  with  a  view 
to  ascertain  whether,  incase  the  trade  on  that  canal 
should  in  a  course  of  years,  increase  to  such  a  degree 
as  to  exhaust  Half-Way  Brook,  which  is  the  principal 
source  of  supply  for  the  summit  level,  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  water  might  be  obtained  from  any  other 
quarter.  Levels  were  carried  from  the  Hudson  river, 
at  several  points  above  Fort  Edward,  to  the  line  of  the 
canal :  And  it  was  ascertained,  that  in  the  event  of  fu- 
ture deficiency,  water  may  be  drawn  from  the  Hudson 
by  a  short  feeder,  in  any  quantity  which  may  be  ne- 
cessary. It  is  not  proposed  to  make  this  feeder  at  pre- 
sent ;  indeed,  it  is  not  believed  it  will  be  wanted  in 
half  a  century,  unless  a  change  in  the  seasons,  creating 
a  great  diminution  of  water,  should  take  place;  but  it 
was  deemed  prudent,  before  the  canal  w  as  commenced, 
to  ascertain  the  practicability  of  its  future  construc- 
tion. 

The  engineer  levelled  auid  examined  the  whole 
length  of  the  line  of  the  canal  from  Fort  Edward, 
which  is  to  be  its  place  of  junction  with  the  Hudson,  to 
Whitehall.  Five  miles  from  Whitehall,  south,  along 
the  line  of  the  canal,  were  marked  out  into  sections ,; 
which  comprehend  the  greatest  part  of  the  excavation 
between  the  south  part  of  the  village  of  Whitehall  and 
Fort  Ann,  as  the  natural  channel  of  Wood  Creek  will 


(     289     ) 

be  principall)'  used  the  remainder  of  the  distance  be- 
tween those  two  places.  Some  doubt  existed  at  Fort 
Ann,  whether  it  would  be  best  to  pass  on  the  east  or 
the  west  side  of  the  village.  Both  routes  were  ex- 
plored, and  it  is  finally  beHeved,  that  the  east  route 
combines  the  greatest  advantages.  These  two  routes 
form  a  junction  about  one  mile  south  of  the  village  of 
Fort  Ann,  from  which  point,  about  five  miles  along  the 
line  of  the  canal  to  the  south  were  laid  out  into  sec- 
tions. From  the  termination  of  this  last  distance  to 
Fort  Edward,  it  was  carefully  explored  and  levelled ; 
but  a  part  of  the  distance  being  swampy  and  filled 
with  water,  by  the  excessive  rains,  and  it  being  so  late 
in  the  fall,  that  little  probability  existed  of  commenc- 
ing the  excavation  to  advantage  until  next  season, 
the  engineer  did  not  lay  off  into  sections  and  accu- 
rately stake  out  this  part  of  the  line.  It  is,  however, 
intended  that  this  shall  be  done  in  March,  before  the 
breaking  up  of  the  frost,  if  the  weather  will  permit,  so 
that  the  work  may  be  commenced  as  early  in  the  spring 
as  possible. 

The  profiles  and  maps  of  the  engineer  are  herewith 
presented.  A  printed  copy  of  specifications,  regulating 
the  manner  of  constructing  the  works,  and  designed  in 
some  measure  to  abridge  the  labour  of  writing  the  con- 
tracts, is  also  hereto  annexed. 

The  line  of  the  canal,  and  the  form  of  the  works,  are 
not  materially  varied  from  the  plan  proposed  in  the  re- 
port of  last  year.  It  has,  however,  been  thought  ad- 
visable, and  indeed  of  considerable  importance,  to  en- 
large the  dimensions  of  the  canal  and  locks,  so  as  to 
make  them  correspond  in  size  with  the  Erie  canal. 

Several  weighty  considerations  may  be  adduced  in 
support  of  this  alteration.  Those  parts  of  this  state 
and  of  Vermont  which  lay  contiguous  to  lake  Cham- 
plain,  abound  in  masts,  spars,  ship-timber,  and  lumber 
of  all  descriptions,  to  a  degree  which  can  hardly  be 
conceived  by  a  person  unacquainted  with  those  exten- 
sive tracts  of  country.  It  will  require  locks  of  nearly 
or  quite  ninety  feet  in  length  to  transport  masts  and 

37 


(    290    ) 

spars  to  the  best  advantage;  and  all  the  bulky  articles 
of  lumber,  which  are  usually  rafted,  may  be  transport- 
ed through  such  locks  in  much  larger  quantities,  and  of 
course  with  much  more  expedition,  than  through  those 
of  small  dimensions,  as  it  requires  nearly  the  same 
time  to  pass  a  small  as  a  large  lock. 

After  the  completion  of  the  canals,  a  considerable 
exchange  of  articles  may  be  expected  between  the 
western  and  northern  parts  of  this  state.  Salt  and 
gypsum  will  be  sent  from  the  w«st  to  the  north,  for 
which  iron  and  the  fine  marble  of  Vermont  will  be  re- 
turned. It  is  obvious,  that  no  direct  communication  of 
this  kind  can  be  carried  on  between  these  two  parts, 
unless  the  boats  which  navigate  the  Erie  canal,  and 
which  will  probably  be  of  corresponding  dimensions, 
can  also  traverse  the  Champlain  canal.  If  this  is  not  the 
case,  cargoes  passing  from  one  of  these  places  to  the 
other  must  be  unloaded  and  reloaded  at  the  tide-waters 
of  the  Hudson,  which  would  increase,  in  a  considera- 
ble degree,  the  expense  of  transportation. 

The  additional  cost  of  increasing  the  dimensions  of 
the  Champlain  canal,  together  with  its  locks,  will,  it  is 
believed,  bear  no  proportion  to  the  utility  of  the  mea- 
sure. For  more  than  half  the  distance  between  the 
tide-waters  of  the  Hudson  and  lake  Champlain,  this 
communication  will  occupy  the  natural  channel  of  the 
Hudson  and  of  Wood  creek.  It  is  apparent  then,  that 
the  extra  expense  of  excavation  created  by  this  mea- 
sure cannot  be  very  serious.  A  considerable  share  of 
the  expense  of  a  lock  is  usually  incurred  in  securing  a 
permanent  foundation,  by  piling  or  otherwise.  When 
it  is  considered,  therefore,  that  the  piling  machines  and 
other  necessary  apparatus  will  cost  about  the  same 
sum  for  locks  of  different  dimensions,  it  is  pretty  evi- 
dent, that  an  addition  ot  ten  feet  to  the  length,  and  two 
to  the  breadth  of  a  lock,  cannot  very  considerably 
augment  its  expense. 

The  excavation  of  about  five  miles  of  the  canal,  im- 
mediately south  of  Whitehall,  has  been  contracted  for 
by  Messrs.  Melanchton  Wheeler  and  Ezra  Smith,  at 


(    291  ) 

tT*^elve  and  a  half  cents  per  cubic  yard,  except  a  deep 
cutting  of  about  thirty  rods  in  length,  for  which  they 
are  to  receive  eighteen  cents.  The  work  was  com- 
menced and  continued  for  some  time  on  this  contract, 
until  the  weather  had  become  so  unfavourable,  and  the 
days  so  short,  that  it  was  thought  prudent  to  suspend 
it  till  spring. 

Reasonable  propositions  have  been  made  for  the  ex- 
cavation of  all  the  remaining  part  of  the  line,  except 
that  which  passes  through  the  village  of  Whitehall ; 
but  as  the  work  could  not  be  advantageously  com- 
menced till  next  spring,  and  as  a  considerable  part  of 
the  line  was  not  accurately  designated,  the  contracts 
have  not  yet  been  executed. 

The  re-examination  of  the  Champlain  canal,  has  con- 
firmed and  increased  the  favourable  impressions  which 
the  former  survey  had  made.  From  the  advantageous 
nature  of  the  ground  generally,  and  from  the  contiguity 
of  the  materials  which  are  necessary  for  the  construc- 
tion of  the  artificial  works,  the  commissioners  confi- 
dently anticipate,  that  even  with  its  enlarged  dimen- 
sions, it  will  be  made  for  the  sum  mentioned  in  the 
estimate. 

An  agent  was  employed  early  in  the  season  to  pro- 
cure for  the  state  cessions  of  the  lands  to  be  occupied 
by  the  Canals.  He  traversed  the  whole  line  from  Uti- 
ca  to  the  Seneca  river,  and  took  particular  pains  to  call 
on  every  resident  land-holder  who  could  be  found.  The 
result  was,  that  about  nine-tenths  of  them  made  volun- 
tary cessions  to  the  state.  More  than  half  of  the  line 
of  the  Champlain  Canal,  between  Fort  Edward  and 
Whitehall,  has  also  been  ceded  by  the  owners,  to  whom 
application  was  made  by  the  same  agent. 

Several  young  men  have  been  employed  by  the  engi- 
neers as  assistants,  during  the  last  season,  some  of  whom 
have  manifested  a  praiseworthy  zeal  to  qualify  them- 
selves as  engineers  ;  and  from  the  attention  and  apti- 
tude which  they  have  exhibited,  there  is  no  doubt  but 
they  will  soon  become  extremely  useful  to  the  state. — 
One  of  them  has  gone  to  Europe,  with  a  view  to  make 


(     292     ) 

himself  fully  acquainted  with  the  best  mode  of  con- 
structing all  the  works  appertaining  to  Canals. 

The  construction  of  Canals  is  an  art  within  the  com- 
plete attainment  of  ordinary  capacities.  All  its  rules 
have  been  fully  explained  by  eminent  engineers,  who 
have  written  treatises  on  the  subject.  And  notwith- 
standing our  country  has  made  such  trifling  advances 
in  Internal  Navigation,  yet  there  are  already  in  the 
United  States  samples  of  the  most  difficult  works  which 
will  be  necessary  on  the  Erie  or  Champlain  Canal. — 
Neither  of  these  communications  will  require  a  reser- 
voir, sough  or  tunnel,  which  are  always  the  most  ex- 
pensive appendages  to  internal  navigation.  Locks  are 
the  most  difficult  of  all  the  works  which  will  be  neces- 
sary, and  their  construction  is  already  well  understood 
in  this  state. 

The  state  of  New-York  may  indulge  the  proud  re- 
flection, that  she  possesses  within  herself  the  genius,  the 
skill,  the  enterprise,  and  all  the  other  means,  requisite 
to  the  accomplishment  of  an  internal  navigation,  whose 
utility  will  surpass  any  work  of  the  kind  which  pre- 
ceding ages  have  accomplished.  The  location  and  ex- 
tent of  the  great  lakes,  connected  together  and  stretch- 
ing through  several  degrees  of  latitude  and  longitude, 
and  the  wonderful  facilities  of  the  country  intervening 
between  them  and  the  tide-waters  of  the  Hudson,  ap- 
pear to  have  been  designed  by  nature,  to  tempt  the  im- 
proving industry  of  man.  To  join  the  east  to  the  west; 
to  unite  the  forty-fifth  degree  of  latitude  on  lake  Cham- 
plain  with  the  farthest  verge  of  lake  Superior ;  to  con- 
nect the  whole  with  the  ocean,  and  to  bestow  the  bless- 
ings of  any  easy  intercommunication  upon  the  millions 
of  human  beings  who  are  destined  to  flourish  along 
these  extended  lines,  are  within  the  resources  of  the 
people  of  this  state.  It  rarely  falls  to  the  lot  of  the 
limited  powers  of  man,  to  confer  any  signal,  extensive 
and  lasting  benefit  upon  the  human  race:  but  the  achieve- 
ment of  this  magnificent  enterprise,  surpassing  in  its  ef- 
fects all  the  ordinary  attainments  of  human  imbe- 
cility, would  seem,  in  no  partial  degree,  to  emulate  the 


0m 


(    293    } 

bounty  of  heaven  itself,  which  showers  its  benedictions 
upon  whole  states  and  kingdoms. 

An  acquaintance  with  the  history  of  European  ca- 
nals, with  the  cost  of  their  construction,  their  location, 
their  annual  tonnage,  and  the  revenues  which  they  af- 
ford, cannot  fail  to  satisfy  every  unprejudiced  mind,  that 
in  a  pecuniary  point  of  view,  the  amount  which  the 
contemplated  canals  will  cost,  could  not  in  any  other 
way  be  so  profitably  invested.  Few  of  the  canals  of 
Europe  extend  their  benefits  beyond  the  immediate  vi- 
cinity of  their  works.  But  an  inspection  of  the  map  of 
this  state  will  show,  that  ten  times  as  much  territory  be- 
yond its  northern  termination  will  be  benefited  by  the 
Champlain  canal,  as  exists  along  its  line;  and  with  re- 
spect to  the  Erie  canal,  when  it  has  traversed  the  most 
productive  parts  of  this  state,  to  its  western  termina- 
tion at  Buffalo,  embracing  within  its  scope  exhaustless 
mines  of  gypsum  and  perennial  fountains  of  salt,  the 
boundless  theatre  of  its  usefulness  is  but  barely  com- 
menced. Is  it  possible,  then,  that  the  accomplishment 
of  these  works  can  fail  to  yield  to  the  state  a  rich  pe- 
cuniary reward,  as  well  as  the  more  honourable  testi- 
monials of  public  gratitude,  perpetuated  to  the  latest 
generations  in  the  plaudits  of  a  countless  posterity  ? 

DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
S.  VAN  RENSSELAER, 
SAMUEL  YOUNG, 
MYRON  HOLLEY. 

^^Ibany,  January  3\,  mis. 


(    294    ) 


APPENDIX. 


Articles  of  agreement,   made  and  concluded  this 
day  of        in  the  year         between  of  the  one 

part,  and  the  canal  commissioners  of  the  state  of  New- 
Fork  of  the  other  part,  whereby  it  is  covenanted  and 
agreed  as  follows,  to  wit;  the  said  covenants  and 
agrees  to  grub  and  clear  section  Number  of  the  Erie 
canal,  containing  in  length  of  the  line  of  the  said 
canal,  reference  being  herein  had  to  the  location  of  said 
line,  and  the  map  thereof,  by  engineer :  the  grub- 
bing is  to  be  at  least  sixty  feet  wide,  that  is,  thirty  feet 
on  each  side  from  the  middle  of  the  canal ;  from  which 
width  all  the  trees,  saplings,  bushes,  stumps  and  root^ 
shall  be  dug  up,  and  together  with  all  the  logs,  brush 
and  wood  of  all  descriptions  shall  be  removed  at  Jeast 
forty-five  feet  from  the  centre  of  said  canal :  on  each 
side  of  the  said  sixty  feet,  a  space  thirty-six  feet  in 
width,  shall  have  all  its  trees,  saplings  and  bushes  cut 
down,  and  a  strip  fifteen  feet  wide,  of  the  last  men- 
tioned space  on  each  side  of  the  grubbing,  and  adjoin- 
ing thereto,  shall  have  all  its  trees,  saplings,  bushes  and 
stumps  cut  close  to  the  ground,  so  that  none  of  them 
shall  be  left  of  more  than  one  foot  in  height ;  and  all 
the  trees,  saplings,  bushes,  brushes,  logs,  stumps  and 
wood  of  every  kind,  shall  be  removed  wholly  without 
the  said  strip ;  and  no  part  thereof,  nor  any  rubbish  of 
any  kind,  shall  be  laid,  felled  or  left  on  either  of  the 
sections  adjoining  this  contract :  and  the  said 
agrees  that  during  the  progress  of  the  work,  he  will, 
from  time  to  time,  conform  to  such  deviations  from 
the  canal  line  as  it  is  at  present  designated,  as  either 
of  the  said  commissioners,  or  any  engineer  by  them  or 
either  of  them  appointed  for  that  purpose,  shall  direct, 
and  to  such  alterations  in  the  width  to  be  grubbed  and 


(     295     ) 

cleared,  on  any  part,  or  the  whole  of  the  said  section, 
as  may  be  directed  by  the  commissioners,  or  any  en- 
gineer as  aforesaid  :  And  the  said  work  shall  be,  from 
time  to  time,  carefully  examined  and  inspected,  and 
to  prevent  all  disputes  and  misunderstandings  or 
some  other  engineer  in  the  employ  of  said  commission- 
ers, and  to  be  designated  by  them  or  either  of  them  for 
that  purpose,  shall  be  the  inspector  of  the  said  works  ; 
and  whenever  this  contract  shall  be  fully  performed,  in 
the  opinion  of  said  inspector,  on  the  part  of  the  said 

he  shall  certify  the  same  in  writing,  whereupon, 
within  ten  days  after  notice  of  such  certificate,  the  said 
commissioners  shall  pay  to  the  said  the  sum  of 
dollars,  and  such  further  sum  as  said  inspector  shall  de- 
termine to  be  reasonable,  for  any  additional  labour  re- 
quired, inconsequence  of  any  alteration  of  the  present 
canal  line,  or  any  increase  of  the  width  of  grubbing  and 
clearing  directed  as  aforesaid  ;  provided,  however,  and 
it  is  hereby  expressly  covenanted  and  agreed,  on  the 
part  of  the  said  that  this  contract  shall  be  fully 

performed  and  completed,  on  his  part,  by  the 
day  of 

Signed,  sealed  and  delivered}^ 
In  presence  of  ^ 


(B) 

Articles  of  agreement,   made  and    concluded  this 
day   of         in  the   year  between 

of  the  one'  part,  and  the  canal  commissioners  of  the 
State  of  New-York,  of  the  other  part,  whereby  it  is  co- 
venanted and  agreed  as  follows,  to  wit :  The  said 
covenants  and  agrees,  that  he  will  excavate  and  con- 
struct, in  a  good,  substantial,  and  workmanlike  manner, 
all  that  part  of  the  line  of  the  Erie  canal,  which  is  in- 
cluded in  section  reference  being  herein  had  to 
the  location  and  map  of  said  line,  made  by 
engineer.     The  canal  and  banks  are  to  be  constructed 


(    296    ) 

in  such  manner,  that  the  water  may  in  ail  places  be  at 
least  forty  feet  wide  at  the  surface,  twenty-eight  feet 
at  the  bottom,  and  four  feet  deep ;  each  of  the  banks 
shall  be  at  least  two  feet  perpendicular  measurement 
above  the  top  water  line,  and  such  a  slope  shall  be  pre- 
served on  the  inner  side  of  the  banks,  both  above  and 
below  the  top  water  line,  as  that  every  foot  perpendi- 
cular rise  shall  give  a  horizontal  base  of  at  least  eigh- 
teen inches :  the  towing  path  shall  be  on  the  side 
of  the  canal ;  its  surface  shall  be  at  least  ten  feet 
wide,  and  not  more  than  five  feet  in  any  place  above 
the  top  water  line ;  it  shall  be  smooth  and  even,  and 
consist  of  the  best  materials  excavated.  The  bank  op- 
posite the  towing  path,  shall  in  no  place  be  less  than 
five  feet  wide  at  its  surface ;  shall  be  smooth  and  even, 
and  neither  of  the  banks  shall  have  a  less  slope  on  the 
outer  than  on  the  inner  side,  except  where  there  is  a 
redundance  of  stuff,  increasing  their  width  at  the  sur- 
face beyond  the  requirements  aforesaid.  In  all  places 
where  the  depth  of  cutting  below  the  natural  surface 
of  the  earth  exceeds  nine  feet,  there  the  towing  path 
shall  be  five  feet,  perpendicular  measurement,  above 
the  top  water  line,  and  shall  be  twelve  feet  wide,  and 
the  bank  opposite  to  the  towing  path,  shall  have,  at  the 
elevation  last  aforesaid,  above  the  top  water  line,  a  ho- 
rizontal berm  or  recess,  five  feet  in  width  at  its  sur- 
face, and  the  spoil  banks  without  the  towing  path  and 
berm,  shall  in  no  case  have  a  less  slope  on  the  inside 
than  as  aforesaid,  and  no  part  of  the  extra  stuff,  nor  any 
trees  or  rubbish  of  any  kind,  shall  be  laid,  felled,  or 
left  on  either  of  the  sections  of  the  canal  line,  adjoin- 
ing this  contract.  All  the  loose  and  porous  materials 
which  are  of  a  perishable  nature,  or  permeable  to  w^a- 
ter,  shall  occupy  the  outer  extremities  of  the  banks, 
and  for  the  distance  of  at  least  ten  feet,  horizontally 
measured  from  the  top  water  line  on  each  side  of  the 
canal,  the  banks  shall  be  wholly  made  and  construct- 
ed, both  above  and  below  the  top  water  line,  of  the 
most  pure,  solid,  compact,  and  water-tight  earth,  which 
the  adjoining  excavation  can  supply,  and  no  vegetable 


(   297    ) 

mould,  leaves,  roots,  grass,  herbage,  logs,  sticks,  brush, 
or  any  other  substance  of  a  porous  or  perishable  na- 
ture shall  be  left,  laid,  or  in  any  way  admitted  into  the 
said  space  of  ten  feet  horizontally  measured  from  the 
top  water  line,  or  above,  or  below  the  same :  And  the 
said  commissioners  covenant  and  agree  to  pay  to  the 
said  for  completing  this  contract  as  aforesaid, 

at  the  rate  of  cents  per  cubic  yard,  for  all  earth 

necessarily  excavated  between  the  banks  or  under 
them :  And  it  is  mutually  agreed,  that  the  said  works, 
during  their  progress,  shall  be  carefully  examined  and 
inspected ;  and  to  prevent  all  disputes  and  misunder- 
standings, it  is  agreed,  that  or  some  other  com- 
petent engineer,  to  be  selected  by  the  said  commis- 
sioners or  one  of  them,  shall  be  the  inspector  of  the  said 
works,  and  shall  estimate  the  number  of  cubic  yards 
of  excavation,  and  his  estimate  shall  be  final  and  con- 
clusive between  the  parties  to  this  contract :  And  the 
said  further  agrees^  that  during  the  progress  of 
the  work,  he  will,  from  time  to  time,  conform  to  such 
deviations  from  the  present  canal  line,  and  to  such  al- 
terations in  the  form,  slope  and  dimensions  of  the 
banks,  towing-path,  berm,  or  any  other  of  the  works, 
as  the  said  commissioners,  or  either  of  them,  or  any  en- 
gineer in  their  employ,  shall  direct :  And  it  is  further 
agreed,  that  if  in  the  opinion  of  the  inspector  afore- 
said, the  said  shall  refuse  or  unreasonably  neg- 
lect to  prosecute  this  contract,  such  inspector  shall 
have  the  power  of  determining  that  he  has  abandoned 
it,  and  such  determination  shall  exonerate  the  Com- 
missioners from  every  obligation  imposed  on  them  by 
this  contract,  and  they  may  immediately  thereafter, 
proceed  to  dispose  of  the  said  section  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  if  this  contract  had  never  existed  :  And  it  is  fiir- 
ther  agreed,  that  whenever  this  contract,  in  the  opinion 
of  the  said  inspector,  is  completely  performed  in  every 
respect,  on  the  part  of  the  said  the  said  inspec- 
tor shall  certify  the  same  in  writing,  under  his  hand,  to- 
gether with  his  estimate  of  the  number  of  cubic  yards 
of  excavation ;  and  the  said  commissioners  sLall,  with- 

38 


(  298    ) 

in  ten  days  after  notice  of  such  certificate,  pay  to  the 
said  the  sum  which  according  to  this  contract 

and  the  said  estimate  shall  be  due  to  him;  provided 
however,  and  it  is  hereby  expressly  covenanted  and 
agreed  on  the  part  of  the  said  that  this  contract 

shall  be  fully  performed  and  completed  on  his  part  by 
the  day  of 


(C) 


Articles   of  agreement  made  and    concluded  this 
day   of  in  the  year  between 

of  the  one  part,  and  the  canal  commissioners 
of  the  state  of  New-York,  of  the  other  part,  whereby 
it  is  covenanted  and  agreed  as  follows,  to  wit ;  The 
said  covenants  and  agrees  to  embank  and  con- 

struct, in  a  good,  substantial  and  wdrkmanlike  manner, 
all  that  part  of  the  Erie  canal  which  is  included  in 
section  of  the  line  of  said  canal,  and  reference 

being  herein  had  to  the  location  of  said  line  and  the 
map  thereof  by  engineer.     The  canal  and 

banks  are  to  be  so  constructed,  that  the  water  may  in 
all  places  be  at  least  forty  feet  wide  at  the  surface  or 
top  water  line,  twenty-eight  feet  at  the  bottom,  and 
four  feet  deep ;  each  of  the  banks  shall  be  at  least  two 
feet  perpendicular  measurement  above  the  top  water 
line,  and_  such  a  slope  shall  be  preserved  on  the  inner 
side  of  the  banks,  both  above  and  below  the  top  water 
line,  as  that  every  foot  perpendicular  rise  shall  give  a 
horizontal  base  of  at  least  eighteen  inches ;  the  towing- 
path  bank  shall  be  on  the  side  of  the  ca- 
nal; its  surface  shall  be  at  least  ten  feet  wide;  and 
the  surface  of  the  bank  opposite  to  the  towing-path 
shall  be  at  least  five  feet  wide;  both  banks  shall 
be  constructed  of  pure,  solid,  compact  and  water 
tight  earth,  and  they  shall  be  "made  smooth  and  even, 
with  a  slope  on  their  outermost  sides,  not  less  than  is 
above  mentioned  ;  And  it  is  further  agreed,  for  the  sake 


(     299   ) 

of  giving  the  banks  the  necessary  solidity  and  a  se- 
cure connection  with  the  earth  on  which  they  are  to  be 
erected,  that  all  the  trees,  bushes  and  stumps,  on  the 
space  to  be  occupied  by  the  canal  and  banks,  shall  be 
cut  close  to  the  ground,  and  together  with  all  the  logs, 
brush  and  wood  of  all  descriptions,  shall  be  wholly  re- 
moved, at  least  forty-five  feet  from  the  centre  of  the 
canal,  and  that  from  a  strip  fifteen  feet  in  width  un- 
der each  bank  throughout  the  said  section,  and  to  be 
so  situated  as  that  its  inner  edge  on  each  side  shall  be 
perpendicularly  under  the  edge  of  the  top  water  line, 
all  the  trees,  bushes,  stumps  and  roots  shall  be 
thoroughly  grubbed,  and  together  with  all  the  logs, 
brush,  wood,  weeds,  grass,  herbage,  and  vegetable  and 
porous  earth,  shall  be  removed  entirely  without  the 
banks :  And  the  said  commissioners  agree  to  pay  to 
the  said  for  completing  this  contract  as  follows, 

to  wit :  For  grubbing  and  clearing  the  sum  of 
for  all  the  necessary  excavation  under  the  banks 
cents  per  cubic  yard,  and  for  embankment  cents 

per  cubic  yard,  measured  in  the  banks  for  all  earth 
necessarily  placed  therein  :  And  the  said  works  during 
their  progress  shall  be  carefully  examined  and  inspect- 
ed ;  and  to  prevent  all  disputes  and  misunderstandings, 
it  is  agreed,  that  or  some  other  competent  en- 

gineer to  be  selected  by  the  said  Commissioners,  or 
one  of  them,  shall  be  the  inspector  of  the  said  works, 
and  shall  estimate  the  number  of  cubic  yards  of  exca- 
vation, and  also  of  embankment,  and  his  estimate  shall 
be  final  and  conclusive  between  said  parties  :  And  the 
said  further  agrees,  that  during  the  progress  of 

the  work,  he  will  from  time  to  time  conform  to  such 
deviations  from  the  present  line  of  the  Canal,  and  to 
such  alterations  in  the  form,  slope  and  dimensions  of 
the  banks^  towing-path,  or  any  other  of  the  works,  as 
the  said  Commissioners,  or  either  of  them,  or  their  en- 
gineer, shall  direct :  And  it  is  further  agreed-,  that  if  in 
the  opinion  of  any  engineer  in  the  employ  of  said  Com- 
missioners, the  said  shall  refuse  or  unreason- 
ably neglect  to  prosecute  this  contract,  such  engineer 


(       300) 

shall  have  the  power  of  determining  that  he  has  aban- 
doned it,  and  such  determination  shall  exonerate  said 
Commissioners  from  every  obligation  imposed  on  them 
by  said  contract,  and  they  may  immediately  thereafter 
proceed  to  dispose  of  the  said  section  in  the  same 
manner  as  if  this  contract  had  never  existed .  And  it  is 
further  agreed,  that  whenever  this  contract,  in  the  opi- 
nion of  the  said  inspector,  is  completely  performed  in 
every  respect,  on  the  part  of  the  said  the  said  in- 

spector shall  certify  the  same  in  writing,  under  his  hand, 
together  with  his  estimate  of  the  number  of  cubic  yards 
of  excavation,  and  also  of  embankment :  And  the  said 
commissioners  shall  within  ten  days  after  notice  of  such 
certificate,  pay  to  the  said  the  sum  which  ac- 

cording to  this  contract  and  the  said  estimate  shall  be 
due  to  him :  Provided  however,  and  it  is  hereby  ex- 
pressly covenanted  and  agreed  on  the  part  of  the  said 
that  this  contract  shall  be  fully  performed  and 
completed  on  his  part  by  the  day  of 

Sealed  and  delivered  ) 
In  presence  of       ^ 


(D.) 

Articles  of  agreement,  made  the  sixteenth  day 
of  September,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and   seventeen,  between  of  the  one  part,  and 

the  canal  Commissioners  of  the  State  of  New- York,  of 
the  other  part,  whereby  it  is  covenanted  and  agreed 
as  follows,  to  wit :  The  said  agrees  to  furnish, 

deliver  and  cord  in  compact  piles,  stone  of  the  best 
quality,  for  the  construction  of  an  aqueduct  on  the 
line  of  the  Canal,  over  the  Creek;    The  said 

hereby  covenants  to  deliver  and  cord  in  a 
close,  compact  and  faithful  manner,  two  hundred  cords 
of  stone :  The  stone  shall  be  delivered  and  corded  near 
the  site  of  the  said  aqueduct,  and  convenient  for  its  con- 
struction, in  such  pile  or  piles,  and  place  or  places,  as 


(    301    ) 

either  of  the  said  commissioners,  or  of  the  engineers 
in  their  employment,  shall  direct  at  any  time  before 
delivery.  The  stone  shall  be  thick,  large,  solid,  rec- 
tilinear, well  shaped  and  well  faced,  and  in  all  other 
respects  completely  adapted  to  the  construction  of  a 
substantial  and  permanent  aqueduct.  One-twentieth 
part  of  the  whole  quantity  shall  be  delivered  and  cord- 
ed by  themselves  separate  from  the  rest,  under  the  di- 
rections aforesaid  :  And  in  addition  to  the  above  requi- 
sites, the  said  twentieth  part  shall  wholly  consist  ofgood 
free-stone,  or  of  that  species  of  lime-stone  which  is  fit 
and  proper  to  be  cut,  chiseled  and  shaped  into  the 
arches,  curves  and  angles  of  an  aqueduct :  And  it  is 
agreed  that  Benjamin  Wright,  Esquire,  or  some  other 
engineer  in  the  employment  of  the  said  commissioners, 
and  to  be  selected  by  them,  or  one  of  them,  shall  in- 
spect and  measure  the  said  stone,  and  shall  be  the  sole 
judge  in  relation  to  the  performance  of  this  contract 
on  the  part   of  the  said  and  whenever  the  said 

engineer  shall  certify  in  writing,  that  this  contract  is 
coQipletely  performed  on  the  part  of  the  said 
the  said   commissioners  shall    within  ten   days  after 
notice  thereof,  pay  to  the  said  four  dollars  and 

fifty  cents  per  cord,  for  the  said  two  hundred  and  fifty 
cords  :  Provided  however,  that  they  shall  all  have 
been  delivered  and  corded  as  aforesaid,  within  the 
time  above  specified. 

Sealed  and  delivered  ) 
in  the  presence  of\ 


(E; 


Articles    ofagre    ementmade  and  concluded  the 
day  of  in  the  year  between 

of  the  one  part,  and  the  Canal  Commissioners  of  the 
State  of  New-York,  of  the  other  part,  whereby  it  is  cove- 
nanted and  agreed  as  follows,  to  wit :  The  said 
covenants  and   agrees  to   furnish  all    the   materials, 


(    302    ) 

and  to  construct  and  complete  in  a  good,  faithful  and 
workmanlike  manner,  on  or  before  the  day  of 

a  bridge  over  the  line  of  the  Erie  Canal,  on 
a  public  road  or  highway  crossing  the  same  in  section 
No.  reference  being  herein  had  to  the  location 

of  said  line   and  the  map  thereof  by  engineer. 

The  said  shall  make  suitable  provision  for  the 

reasonable  accommodation  of  all  that  travel  at  the  place 
where  said  bridge  is  to  be  built,  while  it  is  building ; 
and  said  bridge  shall  be  built  as  follows,  to  wit :  It 
shall  have  two  abutments  and  four  wing-walls,  all  of 
which  shall  have  their  foundation  laid  as  low  as  the 
bottom  of  the  canal ;  the  abutments  shall  be  twenty- 
two  feet  apart  at  the  bottom,  and  twenty-four  at  the 
top,  and  they  shall  be  eleven  and  a  half  i'eet  high;  at 
the  bottom  they  shall  be  three  and  a  half,  and  at  the 
top  two  and  a  half  feet  thick ;  their  faces  lengthwise  of 
the  canal  shall  be  twenty  feet  long  at  the  bottom,  and 
they  shall  have  such  a  batter  at  their  ends,  that  the 
length  of  said  faces,  at  the  top,  shall  be  but  eighteen 
feet ;  each  of  the  wing-walls  shall  be  as  high  as  where  it 
connects  with  the  abutment  as  the  abutment  itself, 
and  shall  slope,  as  it  departs  from  the  abutment,  no 
more  than  shall  well  consist  with  supporting  the  road 
and  strengthening  the  abutment ;  it  shall  have  the  same 
batter  as  the  ends  of  the  abutments  aforesaid;  its  face 
shall  recede  from  the  canal,  so  as  to  form  an  angle, 
with  the  line  of  the  face  of  the  abutment  continued,  of 
about  forty -five  degrees,  and  it  shall  have  its  founda- 
tion of  such  thickness  as  to  afford  throughout  its  whole 
length  with  the  batter  aforesaid,  the  thickness  of  two 
and  a  half  feet  at  the  top,  where  it  shall  be  finished  with 
a  coping  of  large  flat  stone.  Those  sides  of  the  abut- 
ments and  wing-walls,  next  to  which  the  earth  is  to  be 
placed,  in  landing  up  the  bridge,  shall  be  laid  up  per- 
pendicularly and  in  the  most  substantial  manner ; 
There  shall  also  be  made,  between  the  abutments,  to 
support  the  towing-path  under  the  bridge,  a  wall  which 
shall  have  the  same  extent  lengthwise  of  the  canal  as 
the  abutments — shall  have  its  face  projected  into  the 


(    303    ) 

canal   six   feet  from  the  face  of  the  abutment  on  the 
towing-path  side,  and  shall  be  connected  and  bound  in, 
from   its  two  ends  with  the  last   mentioned  abutment, 
by  walls  laid  crosswise  of  the  towing-path ;  and  these 
walls,  to   wit,   the  wall  for  the  support  of  the  towing- 
path   and  those  which  connect  it  with  the  abutment, 
shall  be  two  and  a  half  feet  thick  at  the  bottom  and  two 
at  the  top,  and  four  and  a  half  feet  high ;  they  shall  be 
laid  up  perpendicularly  on  the  inside  and  battering  on 
the  water  side,  and  their  foundation  shall  be  as  low  as 
the  bottom  of  the  canal ;  and  the  towing-path   under 
the  bridge  shall  be  completed  by  filling  up  the   space 
between   the   last   mentioned  walls  and  the  abutment 
with  gravel,  and  such  shape  shall  be  given  to  the  tow- 
ing-path on  each  side  of  the  bridge,  as  to  afford  a  safe 
and  easy  passage  under  the  same.     The   abutment  of 
said  bridge  on  the  towing-path  side,  shall  not  have  its 
face  laid  nearer  the  centre  of  the  canal,  than  the  edge 
of  the  top  water  line,  and  all  the  stone  work  above  re- 
quired, shall  be  constructed  of  large,  well-shaped,  du- 
rable and  solid  stone,  and  shall  be  laid  up  without  mor- 
tar. After  the  abutments  are  completed,  the^re  shall  be 
laid  across  the  canal,  from  one  of  them  to  the  other,  to 
support  the   flooring  of  the  bridge,  five  string-pieces, 
sixteen  inches  wide,  and  twelve  inches  thick,  of  strong 
and  durable  wood,  and  to  be  of  such  length  as  to  lap 
two  feet  on  to  each  abutment,  which  string-pieces  shall 
be  placed  at  equal  distances  apart,  and  shall  be  so  fit- 
ted to  the  stone  work  on  which  they  are  placed,  as  to 
rest  firm  and  steady  on  their  narrowest  sides,  so  as  to 
support,  in  the  most   effectual  manner,  a  flooring  of 
eighteen  feet  in  width;  after  which,  they  shall  be  cover- 
ed for  their  whole  length  with  a  flooring  of  the  width 
aforesaid,  and  to  consist  of  good  hard  wood  plank,  not 
less  than  three  inches  thick.     The  sides  of  the  bridge 
shall   each  be  guarded  by  a  plain  substantial  railing, 
three  feet  high,  to  extend  from  one  end  of  the  flooring 
to  the  other,  and  to  be  securely  fastened  to  the  string- 
pieces,  and  properly  supported  by  studs  and  braces; 
and  as  a  farther  guard,  a  piece  of  timber  of  the   same 


(      304     ) 

size  as  the  railing  on  the  bridge,  shall  be  extended 
from  each  end  of  the  said  railing  on  both  sides  down 
the  wing-walls  so  far  as  may  be  reasonable,  of  which 
timber,  one  end  shall  be  strongly  connected  with  the 
end  of  the  railing,  and  the  other  end  shall  be  securely 
bolted  with  iron  to  a  large  flat  stone,  to  be  placed  in 
each  wing-wall  at  a  proper  distance  from  the  abutment 
for  that  purpose.  Between  the  wing^walls  and  behind 
the  abutments,  the  said  bridge  shall  be  landed  up  with 
good  solid  earth,  in  such  a  way  as  to  afford  a  safe  and 
easy  ascent  to  the  bridge  from  each  side,  and  so  that 
the  angle  of  ascent  to  said  bridge  shall  in  no  place  ex- 
ceed, on  the  face  of  the  road,  one  inch  perpendicular 
rise  to  one  foot  horizontal  base:  And  the  said 
covenants  and  agrees,  that  after  said  bridge  is  com- 
pleted in  the  manner  aforesaid,  and  inspected  and  ac- 
cepted, he  wall  warrant  it  to  stand  firm  and  secure  for 
five  years  from  the  time  of  such  acceptance.  In  con- 
sideration of  the  full  performance  of  this  contract  on 
the  part  of  the  said  said  commissioners  agree  to 

pay  him  the  sum  of  And  it  is  mutually  agreed, 

that  or  some   other  competent  engineer,  in  the 

employ  of  said  commissioners,  and  to  be  designated  by 
them,  or  any  one  of  them,  for  that  purpose,  shall  be  the 
inspector  of  said  bridge;  shall  determine  when  it  is 
completed^  and  every  other  question  relating  to  the 
execution  of  this  contract  on  the  part  of  the  said 
without  appeal :  And  whenever  such  bridge  is  com- 
pleted as  aforesaid,  the  said  inspector  shall  examine 
and  accept  it,  and  in  writing  certify  that  it  is  accepted; 
whereupon,  within  ten  days  after  notice  of  such  certifi- 
cate, the  said  commissioners  shall  pay  to  the  said 
the  consideration  aforesaid. 

Signed,  sealed,  and  delivered,  ) 
in  presence  of  ) 


(F.) 


Articles  of  agreement  made  and  concluded,  the 
day  of        in  the  year  between  of  the  one 


(     305     ) 

part,  and  the  canal  commissioners  of  the  state  of  New- 
York  of  the  other  part,  whereby  it  is  covenanted  and 
agreed  as  follows,  to  wit :  the  said  covenants  and 

agrees  to  furnish  and  deliver  before  the  day  of 

such  and  so  many  iron  castings  as  may  be  re- 
quired for  the  construction  of  culverts  on  the  line  of 
the  Erie  canal,  between  and  comprehend- 

ing miles  in  length  of  the  said  canal  line,  at  the 

rate  of  dollars  per  ton.     The  said   castings  are 

all  to  be  delivered  at  the  places  where  they  are  to 
be  used ;  they  are  to  be  of  good  iron,  smooth  and  even, 
with  all  their  edges   and  ends  so  shaped  as  that  they 
may  fit  close  together  when  they  are  laid  in  the  cul- 
verts  which  they   are  designed  to  form :  they  are  to 
consist  of  pieces  in  the  form  of  half  cylinders,  three 
eigths  of  an  inch  in  thickness  or  more,  if  required  by 
said  commissioners,  and  not  less  than  three  feet  in  length, 
except  the  pieces  necessary  to  complete  the  ends  of  the 
culverts,  which  shall  be  half  as  long  as  the  other  pieces, 
Where  culverts  are  required  to  be  of  one  foot  in  diame- 
ter the  pieces  of  castings  to  be  delivered  at  such  pla- 
ces shall  be  of  such  a  description,  as  that  when  they 
are  put  together  in  the  form  of  a  cylinder,  it  shall  have 
that  diameter,  and  where  larger  culverts  are  required, 
the  pieces  to  be  delivered  at  such  places,  shall  be  adapt- 
ed to  form  cylinders  of  the  diameter  required  provided 
such  diameter  does  not  exceed  three  feet.     In  forming 
the  culverts  with  the  pieces  of  castings,  it  is  intended 
to  lay  the  concave  side  of  half  the  pieces  up,  in  such  a 
manner  as  that  when  the  cylinder  is  completed  by  lay- 
ing the  convex  side  of  the  other  half  of  the  pieces  up, 
each  piece  in  the  upper  half  shall  cover  the  one  half  of 
two  pieces  in  the  lower  half,  thus  breaking  joints,  ex- 
cept at  the  ends,  which  are  to  be  completed  by  two 
half  pieces,  and  all  the  pieces  are  to  be  so  cast  as  to  be 
well   adapted   to  this    arrangement ;  each  piece  is  to 
have  on  its  outside,  and  at  or  near  its  edges,  cast  flanges, 
projecting  so  far  out,  and   of  such  location,  thickness, 
and  length  on  the  side  of  the  piece,  as  may  be  necessa- 
ry, and  these  flanges  are  to  have  holes  cast  or  drilled 

39 


(     300    ) 

through  them,  and  are  to  be  placed  at  such  distances 
on  eaclj  piece  as  that  when  all  the  pieces  of  a  culvert 
are  laid  in  their  proper  bed  with  their  ends  close  to- 
gether, all  the  flanges  of  4he  upper  pieces  shall  be  per- 
pendicularly over  the  corresponding  flanges  of  the 
lower  pieces,  so  that  the  said  upper  and  lower  flanges 
may  be  strongly  fastened  together  with  screws  and 
nuts  and,  all  the  pieces  in  any  one  culvert,  by  these 
means,  may  be  permanently  secured  in  their  proper 
places.  The  places  where  said  castings  are  required 
to  be  delivered,  the  number  and  size  of  the  pieces  re- 
quired at  each  place,  the  location,  thickness,  projection 
and  length  of  the  flanges,  shall  all  be  determined  by 

or  some  other  competent  engineer,  to  be  desig- 
nated for  that  purpose  by  said  commissioners  or  one  of 
them,  and  said  engineer  shall  on  or  before  the 
day  of  give  notice  in  writing  to  the   said 

of  his  determination  in  relation  to  each  of  the  said 
particulars,  and  the  said  or  other  engineer  to  be 

designated  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  the  inspector  of  the 
said  castings  ;  shall  determine  their  weight,  and  all 
questions  respecting  the  fulfilment  of  this  contract  on 
the  part  of  the  said  without  appeal ;  and  when- 

ever the  same  is  in  all  respects  fully  performed  on  the 
part  of  the  said  said  inspector  shall  certify  such 

performance  in  writing,  and  within  ten  days  after  notice 
of  such  certificate,  said   commissioners   shall  pay  to 

in   consideration  of  such  performance,  at  the 
rate  per  ton  aforesaid  for  the  said  iron  castings 
Signed^  sealed  and  delivered  ) 
In  presence  of  ^ 


(H.) 

Received  of  Treasurer  of  the   canal  com- 

missioners, dollars  in  advance  on  the  within 

contract,  and  we  hereby  jointly  and  severally  covenant 
and  agree,  that  the  said  therein  named,  shall  ful- 


(    307    ) 

iy  perform  and  complete  said  contract  within  the  time 
and  in  the  manner  therein  specefied,  or  that  we  will,  at 
the  expiration  of  said  time,  repay  said  sum  to  said  trea- 
surer with  interest ;  and  we  hereby  further  covenant 
and  agree,  that  said  sum  shall  be  laid  out  in  work  on 
said  contract,  within  two  months  from  this  day  the  value 
of  which  work  shall  be  determined^  by  the  opinion 
of  any  engineer  in  the  employ  of  said  commissioners, 
or  that  we  will  on  demand,  after  the  expiration  of  said 
two  months,  repay  said  sum  to  said  treasurer  with  in- 
terest.    Dated  day  of 


SPECIFICATIONS, 

In  relation  to  the  construction,  S^c.  of  the  Champlain   Canal. 

Grubbing  and  clearing,  preparatory  to  excavation. — All 
the  trees,  logs,  stumps,  bushes,  roots  and  timber  of 
every  kind  shall  be  dug,  grubbed,  cleared,  eradicated^ 
and  wholly  removed  from  a  space  of  sixty  feet,  viz.  thirty 
feet  on  each  side  of  the  middle  of  the  canal :  and  for  the 
space  of  fifteen  feet  in  width  on  each  side  of  the  part  so 
grubbed,  the  trees,  bushes,  and  timber  shall  be  cut  as 
close  to  the  ground  as  may  be,  no  stumps  being  left 
more  than  one  foot  in  height ;  and  all  the  logs,  trees, 
stumps,  bushes,  roots  and  wood  of  all  descriptions  so 
grubbed  and  cut  as  aforesaid  shall  be  removed  forty- 
five  feet  from  the  centre  of  the  canal,  or  burned,  or 
otherwise  destroyed  or  disposed  of. 

All  the  large  trees  not  embraced  in  the  grubbing  and 
clearing  aforesaid,  which  stand  within  four  rods  of  the 
centre  of  the  canal,  and  which,  by  falling,  after  the 
completion  of  the  canal,  might  break  the  banks  or  ob- 
struct the  navigation,  shall  be  cut  down. 

Excavation. — All  the  top  soil,  vegetable  mould  and 
every  other  substance  of  a  porous  or  perishable  nature, 
shall  be  first  removed  from  the  surface  of  the  ground  to 
be  excavated  into  the  outer  extremities  of  the  banks; 
and  were  ever  the  earth  to  be  excavated,  at  or  below 


(  308  )    wm- 

the  top  water  line,  is  composed  of  materials  which  are 
porous,  perishable,  or  permeable  to  water,such  materials 
shall  be  wholly  removed  as  aforesaid,  not  only  from  the 
surface  of  the  ground  to  be  excavated,  but  also  from  the 
base  of  the  bank  or  banks  where  such  materials  are  to 
be  found,  for  the  space  of  ten  feet  horizontally  mea- 
sured from  the  top  water  line;  and  the  bank  or  banks, 
in  such  cases,  for  the  said  space  often  feet  horizontally 
measured  from  the  top  water  line,  and  also  above  and 
below  the  same,  shall  be  wholly  made  and  constructed 
of  the  most  pure,  solid,  compact,  and  water-tight  earth 
which  can  be  procured  from  the  adjoining  excavation. 

Dimensions  and  slope  of  the  Canal. — The  canal  shall 
be  constructed  in  such  manner  that  the  water  may  in 
all  places  be  at  least  twenty-eight  feet  wide  at  the  bot- 
tom, forty  feet  wide  at  the  surface  or  top  water  line, 
and  four  feet  deep,  reference  being  had  to  the  levels, 
surveys  and  maps  of  James  Geddes,  Esq.  engineer. 

Towing-Path  Bank. — The  bank  to  be  occupied  for  a 
towing-path,  shall,  in  all  places,  be  at  least  ten  feet  wide 
at  its  surface:  it  shall  be  smooth  and  even,  without  any 
sudden  inequalities  in  its  height,  nor  shall  it  in  any 
place  be  less  than  two,  nor  more  than  five  feet  perpen- 
dicular measurement  above  the  top  water  line;  its  sur- 
face shall  be  composed  of  the  best  materials  for  a  tow- 
ing-path, which  the  adjoining  excavation  can  supply.    ■ 

Opposite  Bank. — The  bank  opposite  the  towing-path 
shall  be  at  least  four  feet  wide  on  its  surface,  and  at 
least  two  ieei  perpendicular  measurement  above  the 
top  water  line. 

Slope  of  the  Banks — The  outer  and  inner  sides  of 
both  the  banks,  as  well  above  as  below  the  top  water 
line,  shall  have  such  a  slope  as  that  every  foot  perpen- 
dicular rise  shall  give  a  horizontal  base  of  at  least  eigh- 
teen inches,  and  the  above  rule  shall  apply  to  all  cases 
of  embankment. 

Deep-cutting. — Wherever  the  top  water  line  will  be 
more  than  five  feet  below  the  nutural  surface  of  the 
earth,  the  towing-path  shall  be  twelve  feet  wide,  and  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  canal  a  horizontal  berm  or  re- 


(     309    ) 

cess  shall  be  made  of  four  feet  in  width,  which  shall  not 
be  less  than  two  nor  more  than  five  feet  perpendicular 
measurement  above  the  top  water  line ;  and  the  slope 
of  both  the  banks,  as  well  above  as  below  the  towing- 
path  and  berm,  shall  be  at  least  one  and  a  half  feet  base 
to  every  foot  rise. 

Embankment. — The  ground  which  is  to  be  occupied 
as  the  base  of  an  embankment  shall  be  effectually  grub- 
bed and  cleared,  and  all  the  trees,  logs,  stumps,  roots 
and  timber,  and  every  other  substance  of  a  vegetable 
or  perishable  nature,  shall  be  removed  therefrom. — 
The  embankment  shall  be  wholly  composed  of  pure, 
solid  compact  and  water  tight  earth,  and  shall  have 
the  form,  slope,  height  and  dimensions  heretofore  spe- 
cified. No  sticks,  logs,  roots  or  timber  of  any  kind 
shall  be  left,  laid  or  admitted  into  or  under  any  bank 
or  embankment. 

Spoil  banks,  rubbish  8^c. — The  spoil-banks  or  surplus 
earth  shall  be  laid  with  as  much  evenness  and  regularity 
and  as  little  injury  to  the  adjoining  land  as  may  be; 
and  all  the  trees,  logs,  stumps,  roots,  bushes  and  rub- 
bish shall  be  disposed  of  with  the  like  precaution;  nor 
shall  any  unnecessary  injury  of  any  kind  be  done  to 
the  owners  or  occupants  of  the  land  through  which  the 
canal  passes.  No  contractor  shall  place  any  logs,  tim- 
ber, earth  or  rubbish  in  such  situation  as  to  obstruct 
the  works  on  any  adjoining  contract  or  part  of  the  ca- 
nal. No  highway  or  road  which  crosses  the  line  of  the 
canal  shall  be  obstructed  by  excavation  or  otherwise 
until  the  materials  for  a  bridge  shall  have  been  collect- 
ed, nor  until  the  contractor  shall  have  received  notice 
from  one  of  the  canal  commissioners,  or  one  of  the  engi- 
neers in  the  employment  of  the  said  commissioners,  to 
complete  the  construction  of  the  canal  across  such 
highway  or  road. 

Miscellaneom  Regulations.— The  contractor  or  con- 
tractors shall  from  time  to  time  conform  to  such  devi- 
ations from  the  canal  line,  and  to  such  alterations  in 
the  form,  height,  slope  or  dimensions  of  the  canal,  tow- 
ing-path, or  banks,  or  any  other  of  the  works,  as  either 


(    310    ) 

of  the  commissioners,  or  any  engineer  in  their  employ- 
ment, shall  direct. 

The  contractor  shall  be  paid  for  constructing  the 
canal  and  towing-path  at  a  stipulated  price  per  cubic 
yard  for  excavation,  at  a  stipulated  price  per  cubic 
yard  for  embankment,  and  at  a  stipulated  price  for 
grubbing  and  clearing. 

All  the  earth  necessarily  excavated  between  the 
banks  or  under  them  shall  be  estimated  by  the  engi- 
neer as  so  much  excavation  ;  and  after  an  embankment 
shall  have  been  completed,  its  contents  in  cubic  yards 
shall  be  calculated  and  the  contractor  shall  be  paid 
therefor  as  for  so  much  embankment ;  and  in  all  cases 
where  the  earth  necessarily  excavated  is  not  to  be  re- 
moved more  than  one  hundred  feet  to  form  the  adjoin- 
ing bank  or  banks,  no  estimate  for  embankment  shall 
be  made. 

James  Geddes,  Esquire,  or  some  other  competent  En- 
gineer in  the  employment  of  the  Commissioners,  shall 
from  time  to  time  inspect  the  works  as  they  advance ; 
shall  be  the  judge  and  umpire  in  relation  to  the  perform- 
ance of  every  contract,  and  shall  estimate  the  num- 
ber of  cubic  yards  of  excavation  and  of  embankment, 
and  his  estimate  and  opinion  shall  be  final  and  conclu- 
sive between  the  parties ;  and  whenever  he  shall  certi- 
fy in  writing  that  the  contractor  has,  in  all  respects, 
faithfully  performed  his  contract,  the  canal  commis- 
sioners shall,  within  ten  days  after  notice  thereof,  pay 
to  the  contractor  the  sum  to  which,  according  to  the 
contract  and  the  said  estimate,  he  is  entitled.  And  if 
any  contractor  shall,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Engineer, 
unreasonably  neglect  to  prosecute  his  contract  the  En- 
gineer shall  have  the  power  of  determining  that  the  con- 
tractor has  abandoned  his  contract,  and  such  deter* 
mination  shall  exonerate  the  commissioners  from  every 
obligation  imposed  upon  them  by  the  said  contract, 
and  they  may  immediately  thereafter  let  the  same 
contract  to  any  other  contractor. 


(    311    ) 


ANNUAL.  REPORT,  &c. 

PF  THE  CANAL  COMMISSIONERS,  COMMUNICATED  TO  THE 
LEGISLATURE,  JAN.  25,  I8l9. 


To  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  JVew-York :  In  obedience 
to  the  act,  entitled,  "  ^7i  act  respecting  navigable  communi- 
cations between  the  Great  Western  and  JYorthern  Lakes 
and  the  Atlantic  Ocean,''''  passed  April  1 5th,  J  817,  the 
Canal  Commissioners  most  respectfully  Report — 

In  relation  to  the  Erie  canal — 

That,  after  a  winter  of  unusual  severity,  followed 
by  excessive  rains  in  the  spring,  they  had  the  satisfac- 
tion to  find,  when  they  commenced  their  operations  for 
the  last  season,  that  those  parts  of  the  canal  line  which 
had  been  finished,  or  nearly  so,  by  the  labours  of  the 
preceding  year,  had  suffered  very  little;  so  that  their 
apprehensions  of  injury  to  the  banks  of  the  canal,  from 
the  breaking  up  of  winter,  under  the  most  unfavourable 
circumstances,  are  considerably  diminished. 

Between  the  Mohawk  and  Seneca  rivers,  a  great 
portion  of  the  canal  line  passes  through  swamps  and 
marshes,  or  along  their  southern  margin.  And  this  loca- 
tion, though  it  will  eventually  prove  of  great  impor- 
tance, in  reclaiming  large  tracts  of  the  richest  bottom 
lands,  by  intercepting  the  waters  which  have  hereto- 
fore inundated  them,  was  yet  attended  with  the  serious 
disadvantage,  last  spring,  of  enabling  the  weather  to 
prevent  the  contractors  from  prosecuting  their  work, 
with  any  success,  to  a  late  period.  Actuated  by  a 
laudable  determination  to  omit  no  means  in  their  pow- 
er, of  a  punctual  compliance  with  their  engagements, 
several  of  the  contractors  had  continued  to  labour  on 
their  jobs  all  winter:  and  by  their  experience  it  is 
sufficiently  ascertained,  that  in  deep  cuttings,  in  em- 
bankments, and  were  the  ground  is  constantly  watered 


(    312     ) 

hy  warm  springs,  or  so  covered  by  vegetable  matter  as 
to  protect  it,  in  a  great  measure,  from  freezing,  such  la- 
bours may  be  carried  on  profitably  during  the  coldest 
months  in  the  year.  From  motives  .of  economy,  and 
because  most  of  the  roads  by  vt^hich  the  route  of  the 
canal  is  intersected,  between  Utica  and  Salina,  are 
nearly  impassible  in  the  summer  season,  many  of  the 
contractors  had  purchased,  in  advance,  large  stores  of 
subsistence  for  their  men  and  cattle,  and  transported 
them  to  the  proper  places  on  the  canal  line,  by  sleigh- 
ing. But  this  wise  and  prudent  measure  was  rendered 
almost  unavailing,  as  to  any  advance  of  the  work,  by 
uncontrolable  events.  The  surface  of  the  earth  was 
beaten  and  drenched,  by  heavy  and  frequent  rains, 
from  the  melting  of  the  snow,  till  near  the  first  of  June. 
During  a  great  part  of  this  time,  the  stores  of  the  con- 
tractors were  decreasing,  and  their  expenses  were  ac- 
cumulating, while  their  work  was  at  a  stand.  The  ef- 
fects of  this  state  of  things  were  equally  detrimental 
and  disheartening.  But,  with  the  commencement  of  the 
summer,  the  weather  became  favourable,  and  since 
that  period,  the  canal  business,  in  all  its  branches,  has 
advanced,  with  economy  and  rapidity. 

The  same  causes  which  obstructed  the  efforts  of  the 
contractors,  retarded  those  of  the  engineers.  In  the 
course  of  the  fall  of  1817,  the  country  west  of  the  termi- 
nation of  the  Rome  level,  had  been  examined,  in  se- 
veral directions,  to  a  considerable  extent,  in  order  to 
discover  if  practicable,  some  means  of  obviating  the 
great  expense  of  the  Salina  embankments,  and  the 
serious  hazards,  as  well  as  much  greater  expense, 
of  the  deep  cutting,  through  the  marl  meadow,  in 
the  town  of  Camillus,  From  these  examinations, 
there  resulted  a  deep  impression  of  the  difficulties  pre- 
sented at  these  places,  especially  at  the  latter.  When 
the  canal  line  was  run  through  the  marl  meadow,  in 
1816,  the  season  had  been  uncommonly  dry;  and,^ 
though  a  deep  cutting  three  miles  in  length,  through 
light,  soft  and  porous  materials,  gradually  swelling  to 
fifteen  feet  in  the  centre,  a!?pve  the  bottom  of  the  canaL 


(    313  ) 

could  never  be  regarded  without  solicitude,  the  ap- 
pearance of  this,  upon  every  subsequent  inspection, 
has  been  more  formidable  and  repulsive.  When  the 
past  season,  however,  had  so  far  advanced  as  to  admit 
of  a  renewal  of  these  examinations,  they  were  more  ex- 
tensively pursued :  and  at  length,  the  acting  commis- 
sioner, upon  whom  was  cast  the  responsibility  of  set- 
tling the  line  in  that  part  of  the  route,  in  full  accord- 
ance with  the  conviction  of  the  engineer  of  the  middle 
section,  and  his  assistants,  determined  that  two  altera- 
tions from  the  line  of  1816  were  expedient.  These 
alterations  were  not  adopted,  without  a  careful  ascer- 
tainment and  collation  of  facts  and  circumstances, 
which,  upon  much  deliberation,  were  deemed  decisive 
by  them. 

The  first  of  the  alterations  consist  in  sinking  the  ca- 
nal line,  across  the  Salina  plains,  six  feet  lower  than  had 
been  at  first  proposed.  This  alteration  requires  the 
construction  of  an  additional  lock  of  six  feet  lift,  on 
each  side  of  these  plains  ;  but,  by  affording  sufficient 
excavation,  in  the  canal,  for  the  formation  of  the  adja- 
cent banks,  it  altogether  supersedes  the  necessity  of 
embankment,  for  about  a  mile  and  a  half;  and  where 
embankment  is  still  requisite,  its  height  is  materially  di- 
minished. The  same  diminution  is  also  obtained  in  the 
height  of  an  arched  bridge,  and  the  largest  stone  aque- 
duct to  be  erected  between  Utica  and  the  Seneca  river. 
This  alteration  was  recommended,  chiefly,  by  the  fol- 
lowing reasons. 

1st.  It  produced  a  saving  in  expense,  estimated  at 
seventeen  thousand  dollars.  This  estimate  does  not 
include  damages  to  the  lands,  through  which  the  canal 
line  is  laid,  which  would  probably  have  been  claimed, 
to  a  large  amount,  for  the  half  mile  adjoining  Ononda- 
ga creek  on  the  east,  in  case  the  original  plan  had  been 
pursued.  The  land,  along  the  half  mile  referred  to,  had 
been  laid  out  into  village  lots,  upon  which  the  owners 
set  a  high  value ;  and  one  tier  of  these  lots,  on  each 
side  of  the  canal,  must   have  been  dug  over  and  de- 

40 


(    314    ) 

faced,  in  order  to   obtain  the  earth  necessary  for  the 
embankment. 

2d.  It  renders  the  canal  more  secure.  Embankments 
are,  in  general,  more  liable  to  accidents  than  other 
parts  of  a  canal ;  and  whenever  breaches  are  effected 
in  them,  the  usual  consequences  are  more  injurious. 

3d.  It  will  facilitate  the  construction  of  a  side  cut 
to  connect  the  main  canal  with  the  salt  works,  at  the 
village  of  Salina,  by  approaching  nearer  to  a  level 
with  those  works,  in  that  part  of  the  line  to  which  they 
are  most  contiguous. 

4th.  It  will  promote  the  convenience  of  all  those 
people,  who,  from  the  fertile  country  on  both  sides 
of  the  canal,  shall  hereafter  have  occasion  to  commu- 
nicate therewith,  on  the  Salina  plains.  These  plains, 
for  the  most  part,  consist  of  a  dry,  coarse  gravel,  mix- 
ed, to  the  depth  of  three  or  four  feet,  with  sand  and 
loam,  and  constitute,  from  the  nature  of  their  soil,  as 
well  as  from  their  local  situation,  an  excellent  site  for 
business-  There  is  little  doubt  but  they  will  soon  be- 
come the  scene  of  extensive  dealings. 

The  second  alteration  consists,  in  the  establishment 
of  a  new  summit  level,  extending  from  the  Nine-Mile 
creek  to  the  Skeneateles  outlet,  a  distance  of  between 
eleven  ajid  twelve  miles,  and  involving  the  construction 
of  two  ad^itonal  locks,of  eleven  feet  lift  each,  but  reliev- 
ing the  line  from  all  the  difficulties  of  the  marl  meadow. 
There  are  three  unfailing  and  pure  streams  naturally 
flowing  across  this  level,  either  of  which,  at  this  period 
of  considerable  drought,  affords  water  enough  for  its 
supply :  but  if,  collectively,  they  should  hereafter 
prove  deficient,  the  two  copious  creeks,  which  bound 
the  level,  may  be  easily  conducted  into  it.  Having 
satisfactory  assurance  of  this  essential  fact,  this  altera- 
tion was  adpoted, 

1st.  Because  it  produces  a  saving  in  expense,  estima- 
ted at  seventy-five  thousand  dollars,  without  taking  into 
the  account  the  charge  of  lining  both  banks,  for  the 
purpose  of  sustaining  them,  with  solid  earth,  brought 
form  a  great  distance,  an  operation  which  the  charac- 


(    315    ) 

ter  of  the  marl  meadow  would  undoubtedly  have  ren- 
dered necessary,  to  a  large  extent,  if  the  primary  des- 
ignation of  the  canal  line  had  been  adhered  to. 

2d.  Because  at  the  Nine-Mile  creek,  it  admits  of  the 
substitution  of  stone  arches  in  the  'aqueduct,  instead 
of  a  wooden  trunk;  and,  at  the  Skeneateles,  of  an  en- 
tire stone  aqueduct,  in  place  of  a  dam  with  guard  locks. 
At  both  of  these  places,  excellent  stone  are  contracted 
for,  at  reasonable  prices. 

3d.  Because  it  carries  the  canal  line  farther  south, 
and  nearer  to  the  populous  and  productive  settlements 
of  the  western  part  of  Onondaga  county. 

4th.  Because  it  was  much  feared,  that  the  comple- 
tion of  the  canal,  upon  the  old  plan,  could  not  be  ef- 
fected, so  as  to  render  it  navigable,  as  soon  as  it  might 
be,  upon  the  new,  by  at  least  one  year.  This  would 
have  been  discouraging  to  the  public  spirit,  by  which 
this  great  enterprise  is  supported,  and  a  serious  delay 
of  the  profitable  returns,  which  may  be  expected,  when- 
ever the  communication  between  the  Mohawk  and 
Seneca  rivers,  is  all  the  way  opened.  And  the  reasona- 
bleness of  such  a  fear  is  manifested  by  the  following 
considerations  :  The  Marl-meadow  is  a  swamp  without 
any  outlet,  except  at  its  eastern  and  western  extremi- 
ties :  and  as  it  contains  great  quantities  of  water,  pro- 
ceeding from  Hand's  brook,  and  numerous  springs, 
which  run  into  it,  the  only  possible  mode  of  excava- 
ting the  canal  through  it,  would  be,  to  begin  by  open- 
ing a  wide  drain  at  each  end,  below  the  bottom  of  the 
.canal,  and  prosecuting  the  work  from  these  points  to- 
wards the  centre,  taking  especial  care,  as  advances 
should  be  made,  to  keep  these  drains  free  from  all  ob- 
structions. The  common  mode  of  executing  a  heavy 
job  of  this  kind,  by  stationing  numerous  parties  of  la- 
bourers upon  it,  at  short  distances  from  each  other, 
could  not  be  adopted  here :  for  besides  the  difficulty 
of  transporting  every  barrow  of  earth  a  great  way, 
upon  a  soft  and  wet  surface,  all  such  parties,  except 
one  at  each  end,  would  soon  find  themselves  at  work 
in  a  pond,  in  which  the  depth  of  water  would  increase 


(     316     ) 

in  the  same  ratio  with  that  of  the  excavation.  No  cat- 
tle or  horses  could  be  employed  ;  and  as  the  parties, 
at  both  ends,  could  not  advantageously  include  more 
than  seventy  or  eighty  hands,  it  is  evident,  that  so  great 
a  labour,  even  without  the  occurrence  of  any  untow- 
ard events,  would  require  the  application  of  all  prac- 
tical exertions,  during  several  years,  for  its  accomplish- 
ment. But,  it  must  be  acknowledged,  that  the  depth 
of  the  cutting,  the  weight  of  the  spoil  banks,  the  quan- 
tity of  water  with  which  the  swamp  is  filled,  and  the 
nature  of  the  earth,  which  is  ascertained,  by  frequent 
borings,  to  be  chiefly  vegetable  matter,  marl,  and  sand, 
are  circumstances  connected  with  the  old  plan  calcu- 
lated to  render  untoward  events,  affecting  both  the  cost 
and  time  within  which  the  canal  could  be  constructed, 
and  its  security,  afterwards,  extremely  probable. 

5th.  Because  there  is  no  part  of  the  Middle  Section, 
of  the  same  length,  where  the  whole  expense  of  opening 
the  navigation  will  be  less  than  that  of  the  new  summit, 
between  the  locks. 

From  the  Skeneateles  outlet  to  the  Seneca  river,  the 
survey  and  location  of  the  canal-line  was  easy;  and 
this  last  portion  of  it  was  finally  completed  by  the 
middle  of  July.  The  whole  was  judiciously  divided 
into  short  sections,  and  perspicuously  exhibited  in  maps, 
profiles  and  descriptions,  which  are  herewith  presented. 

The  avidity  with  which  great  numbers  of  wealthy 
and  respectable  citizens  sought  contracts,  was  highly 
gratifying,  and  afforded  a  sure  pledge  of  the  energy 
which  has  since  been  displayed  in  their  execution. 
Many  applications,  for  every  section,  were  always  made 
immediately  after,  and  oft^n  before,  the  returns  of  the 
engineer  had  been  received,  so  as  to  render  it  proper 
to  let  them  out.  A  very  few  of  the  contractors  are 
foreigners,  who  have  recently  arrived  in  this  country ; 
but  far  the  greater  part  of  them  are  native  farmers, 
mechanics,  merchants  and  professional  men,  residing  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  line  ;  and  three-fourths  of  all  the 
laborers  were  born  among  us. 

Within  a  few  days  afterthe  survey  had  been  extended 


(     317     ) 

to  the  west  end  of  the  Middle  Section,  the  whole  was 
taken  up,  except  a  few  short  places  necessarily  left, 
where  structures  of  wood  and  stone  were  to  be  erected. 
But  as  it  requires  two  or  three  weeks  after  a  section  is 
agreed  for,  to  construct  tools,  collect  provisions,  hire 
hands,  purchase  teams,  and  provide  the  necessary 
shelter,  it  was  not  till  about  the  tenth  of  August  that  the 
whole  line  became  a  scene  of  the  most  animated  and 
laborious  exertions.  From  that  time  to  the  tenth  of 
December,  between  two  and  three  thousand  men,  with 
half  as  many  horses  and  cattle,  and  a  considerable  va- 
riety of  mechanical  inventions,  have  been  unremittingly 
employed  upon  it :  And  the  diligence,  ingenuity,  and 
good  judgment,  with  which  these  means  have  been 
applied  would  hardly  be  credited,  if  they  did  not  rest 
upon  a  testimony  impossible  to  be  doubted,  that  of  the 
effects  produced. 

Machinery  has  hitherto  been  used,  with  most  suc- 
cess, in  the  heavy  business  of  grubbing  and  clearing. 
By  means  of  an  endless  screw,  connected  with  a  roller, 
a  cable,  a  Avheel  and  a  crank,  one  man  is  able  to  bring- 
down a  tree  of  the  largest  size,  without  any  cuttingabout 
its  roots.  For  this  purpose  these  means  are  all,  except 
the  cable,  combined  in  a  small  but  very  ^irong  fram^ 
of  wood  and  iron. — This  frame  is  immovealbly  fastened 
on  the  ground,  at  a  distance  of  perhaps  one  hundred 
feet  from  the  foot  of  the  tree,  around  the  trunk  of  which 
fifty  or  sixty  feet  up,  one  end  of  the  cable  is  secured, 
the  other  being  connected  with  the  roller.  When  this 
is  done,  the  man  turns  the  crank,  which  successively 
moves  the  screw,  the  wheel  and  the  roller,  on  which, 
as  the  cable  winds  up,  the  tree  must  gradually  yield, 
until,  at  length,  it  is  precipitated  by  the  weight  of  its 
top.  The  force  which  may  be  exerted  in  this  way, 
upon  a  tree,  is  irresistible,  as  with  the  principle  of  the 
wheel  and  the  screw,  by  the  application  of  the  cable 
at  a  point  so  far  from  the  ground,  it  unites  also  that  of 
the  lever. 

There  is  no  grubbing  so  difficult  and  expensive,  by 


(    318    ) 

the  common  methods,  as  that  of  sound,  green  stumps; 
and  as  our  citizens,  west  of  Utica,  are  every  day  mul- 
tiplying these  evidences  of  their  industry,  it  was  desi= 
rable  to  discover  some  easier  means  of  eradicating  them. 
Such  means  have  been  found ;  but  the  cost  of  the  ma- 
chinery, in  which  they  partly  consist,  would  forbid  the 
use  of  them  in  ordinary  cases.  Two  strong  wheels, 
sixteen  feet  in  diameter,  are  made  and  connected  to- 
gether by  a  round  axle-tree,  twenty  inches  thick  and 
thirty  feet  long ;  between  these  wheels,  and  with  its 
spokes  inseparably  framed  into  their  axle-tree,  another 
wheel  is  placed,  fourteen  feet  in  diameter,  round  the 
rim  of  which  a  rope  is  several  times  passed,  with  one 
end  fastened  through  the  rim,  and  with  the  other  end 
loose,  but  in  such  a  condition  as  to  produce  a  revolu- 
tion of  the  wheel  whenever  it  is  pulled.  This  apparatus 
is  so  moved  as  to  have  the  stump,  on  which  it  is  intend- 
ed to  operate,  midway  between  the  largest  wheels,  and 
nearly  under  the  axle-tree ;  and  these  wheels  are  so 
braced  as  to  remain  steady.  A  very  strong  chain  is 
hooked,  one  end  to  the  body  of  the  stump,  or  its  prin- 
cipal root,  and  the  other  to  the  axle-tree.  The  power 
of  horses  or  oxen  is  then  applied  to  the  loose  end  of 
the  rope  above-mentioned,  and  as  they  draw,  rotary 
motion  is  communicated,  through  the  smallest  wheel, 
to  the  axle-tree,  on  which,  as  the  chain  hooked  to  the 
stump  winds  up,  the  stump  itself  is  gradually  disen- 
gaged from  the  earth  in  which  it  grew.  After  this  dis- 
engagement is  complete,  the  braces  are  taken  from  the 
large  wheels,  which  then  afford  the  means  of  removing 
that  stump  out  of  the  way,  as  well  as  of  transporting 
the  apparatus  where  it  may  be  made  to  bear  on  ano- 
ther. The  expense  of  the  wheels,  axle-tree,  chain 
and  rope,  is  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  ;  and 
with  them,  in  this  way,  seven  hands  and  a  pair  of  horses, 
can  grub  from  thirty  to  forty  large  stumps  in  a  day. 
A  few  stumps  have  been  found  to  require  the  strength 
of  four  horses.  The  gain  of  power,  by  this  machinery, 
is  somewhat  more  than  eight  fold,  with  very  little  loss 
by  friction. 


(     319   ) 

Great  obstruction  to  the  excavation  has  been  of- 
fered by  the  small  roots  and  fibres  which  overspread 
the  surface,  and  every  where  penetrate  the  top  soil  of 
timbered  land.  A  plough  has  been  invented  for  cutting 
up  these,  greatly  superior  to  the  one  in  common  use. 
It  is  very  narrow  or  thin,  and  consists  of  a  piece  of  iron 
much  heavier  than  a  common  plough,strongly  connected, 
at  its  upper  edge,  with  the  beam,  and  in  the  rear,  with 
the  handle,  both  of  which  are  of  the  usual  construction. — 
The  front  edge  of  the  iron,  where  the  cutting  is  to  be 
done,  is  covered  with  steel,  well  sharpened  and  sharped 
like  the  front  of  a  coulter,  except  that  it  retreats  more 
as  it  rises  to  the  beam.  The  lower  edge  is  made  smooth, 
and  gradually  thickens  as  it  extends  back  towards  the 
handle,  to  about  four  inches.  Two  yoke  of  oxen  will 
draw  this  utensil  through  any  roots  not  exceeding  two 
inches  in  diameter ;  and  by  moving  it,  at  short  intervals, 
through  the  surface  of  any  ground  to  be  excavated,  the 
small  roots  and  fibres  are  so  cut  up  as  to  be  easily 
picked  and  harrowed  out  of  the  way  of  the  shovel 
and  scraper. 

The  experience  of  two  seasons,  embracing  all  those 
operations  concerning  which  we  had  most  anxiety,  has 
abundantly  confirmed  our  most  favourable  hopes,  in 
relation  to  the  construction  of  the  canal.  But  we  do 
not  feel  ourselves  at  liberty,  in  this  report,  either  to 
conceal  or  to  disguise  the  fact,  that  in  several  places 
unexpected  obstacles  have  been  presented.  There 
have  been  frequent  spots  of  hard-pan,  through  most  of 
which,  however,  the  excavation  is  already  completed. 
At  the  Oriskany-hill,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Rome, 
and  on  sections  15,  16,  17,  23  and  64,  we  have  been 
troubled  with  quicksand.  In  some  of  these  places,  by 
a  slight  alteration  of  the  canal-line,  we  have,  in  a  great 
measure,  avoided  the  evil:  and  what  we  could  not 
avoid,  we  have  overcome  :  In  the  others,  such  progress 
is  made  as  leaves  us  no  fear  of  the  result. 

On  sections  27,  37  and  40  considerable  quantities  of 
breccia,  or  gravel  firmly  cemented  together,  have  oc- 
curred.   This   substance   is   the  most  stubborn  and 


(  320     ) 

expensive  to  break  up  of  any  that  we  have  found. 
Some  of  it  we  have  contrived  to  shun,  and  the  rest  is 
chiefly  removed. 

But  we  have  been  subjected  to  the  most  accumulated 
expense  by  indurated  clay,  and  stone,  of  various  des- 
criptions. The  indurated  clay  is  either  red  orblueish, 
and  has  shown  itself,  to  the  greatest  extent,  on  sections 
14,  20, 24, 2 ),  50,  51,  54  and  55,  all  of  which  are  in  great 
forwardness,  and  will  surely  be  finished  before  next 
August.  The  stone  is  all,  either  gypsum,  common 
limestone,  or  a  kind  of  meagre  limestone.  Of  the  ia&t 
we  expect  to  make  a  very  important  use ;  as,  by  a 
number  of  small  experiments,  in  which,  after  being 
thoroughly  burnt  and  slaked,  or  ground,  and  mixed  in 
equal  portions  with  sand,  it  appears  to  form  a  cement 
that  uniformly  hardens  under  water.  The  gypsum  is 
found  on  sections  27, 28  and  59;  the  common  limestone  on 
on  sections  19, 23,  24,  27  and  33;  and  the  meagre  lime- 
stone on  sections  27,  31  and  37.  The  greatest  part  of 
all  this  stone  is  now  excavated ;  and  where  it  is  not,  it 
probably  will  be  in  two  months,  as  a  number  of  men  are 
daily  at  work  in  it. 

Besides  the  additional  cost  of  the  foregoing  contin- 
gencies, we  have,  in  several  instances,  by  enlarging  the 
plans  upon  which  our  original  estimates  were  formed, 
or  by  procuring  more  durable  and  better  materials  for 
their  construction,  contributed  to  swell  the  expense  of 
our  operations ;  yet  we  are  firmly  persuaded,  that  the 
savings  we  have  made,  and  the  economy  we  have  pur- 
sued, will  enable  us  to  complete  the  middle  section  at 
an  amount  not  exceeding  the  sum  total  of  those  esti- 
mates. The  better  to  justify  this  persuasion,  in  the 
minds  of  your  honourable  body,  we  beg  leave  to  refer 
to  the  detailed  statements,  hereto  annexed,  exhibiting 
the  names  of  the  contractors,  the  nature  of  their  con- 
tracts, the  progress  made  in  executing  them,  and  the 
amount  of  payments  upon  them,  together  with  a  variety 
of  other  particulars  tsiiding  to  explain  the  true  condi- 
tion of  the  work  confided  to  our  management. 

While  the  labours  of  this  great  section  have  been 


C     321      ) 

thus  going  on,  the  following  system  has  been  adopted, 
to  instruct,  to  inspect,  to  advise,  and  to  aid,  the  con- 
tractors. The  whole  line  has  been  subdivided  into 
five  parts,  to  each  of  which  has  been  assigned,  an  in- 
telligent, active  and  vigilant  overseer,  or  assistant  en- 
gineer, who  had  previously  learnt ;  the  use  of  the  level- 
ling, instrument;  an  accurate  method  of  designating 
the  dimensions  of  the  canal,  upon  every  variety  of  sur- 
face; the  general  principles  necessary  to  ensure  the 
best  construction;  and  the  nature  of  the  stipulations 
contained  in  the  several  contracts. — These  assistants 
have  been  constantly  passing  backwards  and  forwards, 
within  the  limits  assigned  them ;  to  stake  out  the  width 
of  the  grubbing  and  clearing,  of  the  excavation  or  em- 
bankment, and  of  the  mucking  from  under  the  banks  , 
to  fix  pegs  in  the  earth,  showing  the  depth  and  width 
of  the  bottom  of  the  canal,  and  the  height  and  slope 
of  its  banks;  to  watch  that  no  work  should  be  done  un- 
faithfully; and  to  take  account  of,  and  measure,  all  un- 
foreseen obstructions. 

The  original  selection  of  these  assistants  was  in  most 
cases  fortunate;  and  where  it  was  otherwise,  the  de- 
linquent was  soon  detected  and  removed. — Two  of 
these  assistants,  Canvass  White  and  Nathan  S.  Roberts, 
having  had  more  extensive  experience  to  qualify  them 
for  it,  besides  the  services  above  indicated,  have  been 
employed  in  others  of  a  highly  responsible  character. 

Mr.  White  has  run  a  test  level  throughout  the  long 
summit,  which  became  necessary  in  order  to  correct 
some  errors  into  which  the  work  was  falling,  between 
Rome  and  Utica.  He  aided  essentially  in  perfoniiiiig 
the  surveys,  on  the  authority  of  which,  the  alteration 
was  made  in  the  town  of  Canillus:  he  has  scientifically 
examined  two  routes,  upon  different  levels,  for  the  dis- 
tance of  several  miles  down  the  Mohawk  river,  for  the 
purpose  of  enabling  the  commissioners  to  determine, 
more  judiciously,  the  location  of  the  canal  line  through 
the  village  of  Utica ;  and  he  has  recently,  in  the  months 
of  November  and  December,  explored  with  the  level 
and  compass,  more  than  thirty  miles  of  the  country,  in 

41 


(     322     ) 

the  marshes,  swamps,  and  woods,  adjoining  the  Seneca 
river,  on  the  west.  This  last  service  was  undertaken 
with  alacrity,  and  executed  with  skill  and  perseverence, 
at  the  request  of  the  acting  commissioners,  who,  though 
the  weather  had  become  quite  severe,  were  very 
anxious,  while  the  waters  were  low,  to  obtain  all  the 
information  required,  in  order  to  the  proper  connexion 
of  the  line  with  the  Seneca  river,  on  the  east,  which 
could  not  be  ascertained  without  first  knowing  the  pro- 
per continuation  of  it,  from  that  point  westerly,  when- 
ever that  shall  be  authorized.  Of  these  services,  ac- 
curate and  full  returns  have  been  made,  in  descrip- 
tions, maps  and  profiles.  And  the  commissioners  were 
most  agreeably  disappointed,  on  inspecting  tliem,  as 
well  as  on  personal  examination  upon  the  spot,  by 
two  of  their  number  in  company  with  the  principal  en- 
gineer, to  find,  that  the  Cayuga  marshes,  and  the 
swamps  beyond,  will  admit  the  canal  to  be  construct- 
ed through  them  at  less  than  the  average  rate  of  ex- 
pense. 

Mr.  Roberts  had  been  employed,  as  surveyor, 
throughout  the  middle  section,  in  the  year  1816;  and 
understanding  the  difficulties  and  facilities  of  the  line 
then  run,  he  has,  the  last  year,  conducted  the  operation 
of  levelling  and  designating  the  canal  line,  as  it  is  ac- 
tually established,  most  of  the  way  from  Salina  to  the 
Seneca  river.  And  with  the  aid  of  the  principal  engi- 
neer, who  often  visited,  communicated  with,  and  ad- 
vised him,  especially  at  all  the  important  points,  the 
line  is  laid  out  in  the  manner  and  direction  most  ap- 
proved. 

The  department  of  principal  engineer,  for  the  mid- 
dle section,  is  still  filled  by  Benjamin  Wright,  Esquire, 
to  whom  all  the  assistants  are  subordinate  and  accoun- 
table ;  and  who,  besides  inspecting  the  whole  line  as 
often  as  possible,  has  devoted  his  time,  to  a  minute  ex- 
amination of  all  the  most  difficult  places ;  to  contriving 
modes  and  giving  directions  best  adapted  for  subduing 
these  difficulties;  to  forming  plans,  and  executing 
drafts,  of  all  the  more  artificial  works;  to  computing. 


(    323    ) 

from  time  to  time,  as  jobs  have  been  successively  com- 
pleted, the  number  of  cubic  yards  of  excavation  and 
embankment  performed  upon  them,  and  to  estimating, 
determining  and  certifying  the  value  of  extra  labour, 
of  every  species,  necessarily  done  upon  any  of  the 
sections.  These  duties  have  expanded  into  an  im- 
mense multiplicity  of  detail :  They  have  been  delicate, 
arduous  and  fatiguing :  but  they  have  been  discharged 
by  Mr.  Wright  with  such  practical  knowledge,  indus- 
try, equity  and  discretion,  as  to  deserve  the  praise  of 
the  state,  while  they  have  produced  no  complaint  from 
the  contractors. 

Several  other  agents  have  been  appointed,  for  the 
transaction  of  business,  which  could  not  safely  or  con- 
veniently have  been  done  without  them. 

One  has  had  the  care  of  making  and  using  machines 
for  piling,  and  of  digging  out  and  preparing  the  foun- 
dations of  the  stone  culverts  and  aqueducts.  This 
last  being  a  business  so  liable  to  contingencies,  and  so 
necessary  to  be  conducted  with  a  faithful  adaptation  to 
circumstances,  which  could  not  be  known  until  it  was 
in  progress,  that  it  was  thought  unsafe  to  have  it  done 
by  contract. 

Another  has  been  employed  in  making  a  large 
number  of  agreements,  for  piles,  for  timber,  for  plank, 
for  &and,  for  lime,  and  for  fencing  the  canal;  and  in 
obtaining  cessions  to  the  state  of  the  lands  through 
which  it  passes. 

Another  was  charged  to  explore  the  country  within 
a  reasonable  distance  of  the  canal,  for  stone,  previous- 
ly to  any  undertaking,  for  the  delivery  of  that  article, 
in  order  that  we  might  surely  understand  where  the 
best  quarries  were  situated,  and  also  be  able  to  pur- 
chase the  stone  without  being  subject  to  exorbitant 
demands.  This  agency  was  afterwards  continued  for 
the  purpose  of  inspecting  and  rough  hewing  the  stone 
as  they  were  quarried. 

Another,  who  had  formerly  been  familiar  with  canals 
in  England,  and  who  assisted  in  the  construction  of 
that  at  Rome,  was  entrusted  with  placing  and  securing 


(    324    ) 

the  iron  culverts,  and  with  carrying  into  efiect  the 
process  of  pudling  around  severalof  the  stone  works. 

Having  seen  the  locks  at  Waterloo,  and  the  other 
improvements,  adapted  to  facilitate  the  navigation  of 
the  Seneca  river  around  its  falls  ;  and  requiring  more 
aid  than  we  had  provided  for  the  superintendence  of 
works,  of  a  nature  allied  to  those,  we  engaged  the  ser- 
vices of  Marshall  Lewis,  Esq.  under  whose  direction 
those  improvements  had  been  made.  He  has  been 
occupied  chiefly  with  the  foundations,  at  the  Limestone 
the  Butternut,  and  the  Oneida  creeks,  which  are  com^ 
pleted  ;  and  with  those  of  the  Skeneateles,  and  Owas- 
CO  outlets,  which  are  now  advancing.  The  mechan- 
ical skill  of  Mr.  Lewis,  arising  from  much  native  ingen- 
uity, and  long  experience,  applied  particularly,  to  ca- 
nals and  hydraulic  structures,  has  afforded  us  many  ad- 
vantages. 

The  general  direction  and  regulation,  of  all  these 
departments  of  action,  constitutes  no  light  charge;  but 
it  does  not  limit  the  responsibilities  of  the  com- 
missioners along  the  line.  It  has,  moreover,  been  their 
duty,  to  negociate  all  the  important  agreements,  and 
reduce  them  to  writing,  with  the  necessary  specifica- 
tion of  the  manner  of  their  execution,  in  all  their  varie- 
ty of  particulars.  In  concluding  these  agreements  they 
have  regarded  it  as  essential  to  give  such  prices  as 
would  induce  men  of  enterprise,  resource  and  perse- 
verance, to  engage  with  them,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
enable  them  to  win,  for  the  canal,  more  universally, 
the  favour  of  the  legislature,  by  the  frugality  of  their  ex- 
penditures. To  effect  this  they  have  laboured  earnest- 
fv,  to  understand  the  true  nature,  and  the  real  value, 
of  every  item,  both  of  ma»terial,  andof  service,  entering 
into  the  subject  matter  of  their  agreements;  and  to 
impart,  to  all  applicants  for  contracts,  every  informa- 
tion in  their  power.  When  contracts  were  made,  in 
order  to  insure  the  greatest  economy  of  execution, 
advances  of  money  have  always  been  offered,  upon 
reasonable   security ;   and  though   no  stipulation,  re- 


(     325  ) 

quiring  it  of  them,  is  contained  in  any  contract,  the 
Commissioners  have  never  failed  to  pay  each  con- 
tractor, as  olten  as  once  a  month,  the  amount  of  his 
earnings.  For  this  purpose,  they  have  personally  gone 
over  the  whole  line,  and  estimated  the  advances  of  the 
work,  on  the  several  jobs :  and  while  they  have  thus, 
by  frequent  payments,  encouraged  the  contractors, 
and,  by  undeviating  punctuality,  exerted  a  favorable 
influence,  upon  all  new  negotiations,  they  indulge  the 
belief,  that  no  cases  have  occurred,  in  which  losses 
will  be  sustained,  in  consequence  of  imprudent  dis- 
bursements. 

Among  the  great  number  of  contractors  for  the  mid- 
dle section,  there  are  a  few  persons,  who  have  alto- 
gether failed  ;  and  also  a  few,  who  have  found,  although 
they  are  still  at  work,  that  they  have  undertaken  more 
than  they  can  perform.  Most  of  these  persons  were 
exceedingly  injured,  by  the  extraordinary  wetness  of 
the  last  spring  and  the  fall  before,  and  some  of  them 
were  disabled,  by  the  pressure  of  pre-existing  embar- 
rassments. The  unfinished  and  most  difficult  parts, 
of  their  sections,  are  now  all  placed  in  the  very  best 
hands,  having  been  taken  up  by  such  of  the  original 
contractors  as  had  finished,  or  made  greatest  advances, 
on  their  own  jobs. 

In  making  canals  in  Europe,  it  is  generally  an  object 
of  great  solicitude,  and  much  of  the  expense  is  incur- 
red, to  construct  reservoirs,  and  controul  waters, 
enough  for  their  supply;  in  making  ours,  we  are  much 
more  anxious,  to  divert  and  waste  those,  which  are 
superfluous.  With  a  country  of,  from  fifteen  to  sixty 
miles  wide,  stretching  its  whole  length,  and  abounding 
with  lakes  and  streams,  which  all  seek  their  natural 
discharge  by  crossing  it,  no  deficiency  of  water  can 
ever  be  apprehended.  But,  to  secure  our  workmen 
from  injury,  by  floods  and  freshets,  that  will  often  sud- 
denly collect  from  the  extensive  land-drain,  and  the 
abundant  waters,  above  alluded  to,  we  have  been  com- 
pelled to  make  numerous  culverts  and  waste  wiers. 
The  office  of  a  culvert  is,  to  pass  waters,  not  wanted 


(    326    ) 

for  navigation,  nuder  the  canal ;  that  of  a  waste-wiei , 
to  discharge  the  extra  waters,  which  may  be  in  it.  We 
have  provided  for  eight  large  culverts,  of  stone,  and 
fifteen  smaller  ones,  of  iron :  and  there  are  thirteen 
aqueducts,  which  necessarily  leave  capacious  water 
courses  beneath  them.  Of  waste  wiers,  there  are 
seventeen,  stretching,  on  the  north  side  of  the  line,  in 
the  aggregate,  a  length  of  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty 
feet.  The  expense,  of  these  last,  was  not  included, 
in  our  original  estimates ;  for  there  are  besides,  eight 
wooden  aqeducts  and  a  dam,  occupying  together,  a 
length  of  thirteen  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  which  perform 
the  same  office.  An  aqueduct  is  designed  to  carry  the 
waters,  to  be  navigated  in  a  canal,  over  the  rivers 
creeks  or  ravines,  which  cross  its  route ;  it  must, 
therefore,  be  adapted  to  the  proper  level,  and  to  the 
width  and  depth,  of  the  canal.  Of  these,  the  whole 
number,  between  the  Mohawk  and  Seneca,will  be  thir- 
teen, of  which  five,  are  to  consist  exclusively  of  stone, 
and  eight,  of  wooden  trunks  resting  on  stone  abutments 
and  piers.  The  iron  culverts  are  actually  laid,  and 
the  other  works  are  all  under  contracts,  of  which  some 
are  executed,  and  the  rest  in  a  rapid  course  of  comple- 
tion. The  tedious  and  expensive,  but  essential  ope- 
ration, of  preparing  and  securing,  for  all  of  them,  a 
strong  and  permanent  foundation,  is  three  fourths  done, 
For  a  minute  account  of  their  location  and  dimensions, 
we  refer  to  schedule  number  two  in  the  appendix. 

On  the  south  side  of  the  canal,  the  ground  always 
rises,  in  most  places  gently,  but  in  some,  abruptly.  And, 
in  these  elevations,  within  from  one  to  eight  miles  of 
the  line,  are  contained  inexhaustible  quantities  of  lime 
and  sand-stone.  The  wants  of  the  country  have  not 
yet  required,  that  many  quarries  should  be  extensively 
opened.  But,  we  found  some  of  an  excellent  quality: 
that  had  been.  To  such  we  have  had  reasonable  resort, 
and  we  have  been  very  fortunate,  in  opening  several 
new  ones.  The  prices  we  have  given,  for  the  purchas- 
ing, quarrying,  and  delivering,  of  large,  thick,  solid, 
durable,  and  well  faced  stone,  has  varied  from  seventy- 


(    327    ) 

five  cents  to  one  dollar  and  thirty-seven  cents,  per  ton, 
according  to  circumstances.  We  have,  in  all  cases, 
chosen  to  agree  for  stone,  by  weight  rather  than  by  the 
cord,  or  perch,  because  it  lessens  the  temptation  of 
contractors,  to  spoil  them  for  our  use,  by  breaking  them 
up  into  small  pieces,  which  would  make  them  easier 
to  handle,  and  increase  their  measurement.  And  the 
expense,  of  erecting  scales  and  weighing  them,  is  not 
greater  than  that  of  piling  them  up,  into  compact  heaps, 
for  measuring. 

There  will  be  nine  locks,  upon  the  middle  section, 
including  one,  at  the  west  end,  to  facilitate  communica- 
tion with  the  Seneca  river,  at  high  and  low  water.  As 
the  locks  of  a  canal  are  contrived,  for  the  purpose  of 
effecting  a  passage  from  one  elevation  to  another,  they 
must  always  be  subject,  while  they  are  shut,  to  the 
pressure  of  a  considerable  head  of  water,  and 
while  they  are  filling  and  discharging,  to  the  force 
of  a  rapid  current:  and,  as  they  must  be  made  as  small 
as  the  nature,  of  the  transportation  through  them,  will 
admit,  they  will  be  liable  to  violent  impingements  from 
heavy  loaded  boats.  With  us,  they  are  also  exposed 
to  injury,  by  the  intense  frost  of  winter.  It  will  be 
perceived,  therefore,  that,  in  the  construction  of  them, 
great  care  and  fidelity  are  indispensable.  The  site, 
which  ours  will  occupy,  is  uniformly  excellent,  consist- 
ing of  gravel  mixed  with  loam  or  clay,  in  such  propor- 
tions as  to  render  it  close,  heavy,  hard,  and  water- 
tight. 

We  have  let  out,  the  laying  and  securing  of  the 
foundations,  the  framing  and  placing  of  the  mitre-cills, 
and  the  construction  and  hanging  of  the  gates,  of  eight 
of  these  locks,  to  a  single  individual  of  skill  and  respon- 
sibility, who  has  heretofore  been  engaged,  in  similar 
undertakings.  The  stone-cutting  and  masonry  are  more 
distributed  For  the  performance  of  these,  we  have 
entered  into  five  agreements,  with  men,  whom  we  be- 
lieve to  be  expert  and  trust-worthy,  some  of  them,  from 
our  own  knowledge,  and  the  rest  from  satisfactory  re- 
commendations. 


(     328    ) 

The  foundations,  of  these  eight  locks,  are  to  consist 
of  a  solid  flooring,  of  hewed  timber,  one  foot  thick,  and 
covered  with  well  jointed  three-inch-plank,  over  which 
within  the  chamber,  will  be  laid  another  flooring,  of 
two-inch-plank,  accurately  fitted  together  with  water- 
joints,  and  spiked  down,  so  as  to  prevent  leakage  :  and 
this  foundation  is  to  be  strongly  supported  and  guard- 
ed by  piling.  The  lock-walls  are,  to  be  not  less  than 
six  feet  thick,  and  sustained,  by  several  massy  buttress- 
es, to  be  laid,  in  water-cement,  and  thoroughly  grouted 
— to  have  all  the  faces,  ends,  and  beds,  of  each  stone 
laid  in  the  front  of  the  wall,  together  with  the  hollow 
quoins,  the  lock-culverts  and  the  ventilators,  well  cut — 
and  the  whole  to  be  suflficiently  cramped  together  with 
iron,  and  coped.  The  mitre-ciOs  and  gates  are  to  be 
of  the  best  construction,  and  properly  fitted,  secured, 
and  hung.  Having  provided,  by  contract,  for  all  the 
materials  necessary,  and  the  labour  to  be  bestow^ed  up- 
on them,  in  the  construction  of  these  locks  ;  and,  hav- 
ing counted  the  cost,  we  anticipate  their  entire  com- 
pletion, for  a  sum  not  exceeding  a  thousand  dollars, 
per  foot  rise.  In  schedule  number  three,  in  the  appen- 
dix, may  be  seen  further  particulars  relating  to  con- 
tracts for  stone,  and  for  the  locks. 

That  portion  of  the  canal  line,  which  we  have  been 
authorized  to  open,  is  intersected  by  fifty-two  public 
roads,  on  which  it  became  our  duty  to  erect  bridges. 
For  all  these  we  have  made  provision  ;  and  twenty-on€ 
of  them  are  erected.  In  several  instances,  where  the 
canal  has  traversed  a  farm,  in  such  a  direction  and  ex- 
tent as  to  forbid  the  owner  to  occupy  it  all,  without  a 
bridge  we  have  paid  a  reasonable  sum,  for  the  construe 
tion  and  reparation  of  such  bridge  ;  and,  in  considera- 
tion of  such  payment ;  obtained  from  the  owner  a  per- 
petual discharge,  for  the  state,  from  all  further  obliga- 
tion relating  thereto.  And,  to  prevent  these  occupa- 
tion bridges  from  ever  interfering  with  the  navigation, 
a  suitable  plan,  for  their  construction,  was  made,  of 
which  a  full  description  wa^  always  given  to  the 
builder. 


(329    ) 

It  may  not  be  improper  to  state,  here,  that  the  gentle- 
men appointed,  by  the  supreme  court,  to  appraise  dam 
ages  upon  the  middle  section,  have  examined,  decided 
upon,  and  certified,  the  most  urgent  cases  of  that  kind ; 
and  the  whole  amount  of  claims  upon  us,  which  they 
have  yet  authorized,  is  sixteen  hundred  and  eighty-six 
dollars.  A  list  of  all  the  cases  decided,  with  the 
amount  of  damages  allowed  in  each,  constitutes  num- 
ber four,  of  the  appendix. 

The  middle  section  is  ninety-four  miles  long. 
Every  thing  that  was  to  be  done,  on  this  section,  is 
now  either   completed,   or  under  contract  and  to  be 
completed,  by  the  first  of  October  next :  except 
1st.  A  few  occupation-bridges  ; 
2d.  A  small  culvert,  to  pass  the  waters  of  a  mill-pond, 

in  Whitestown ; 
3d.  A  lock,  to  effect  the  proper  connexion  with  Sene- 
ca river,  and  a  short  section  of  the  line  adjoining 
it.     The  materials,  for  the  construction  of  the  lock, 
may  be  delivered  by  water :  And,  it  was  so  late  in 
the  season,  before  the  precise  location,  of  the  lock 
and  section  could  be  ascertained,  that  no  advantage 
would  have   been  secured,  by  contracting  for  them 
this  fall.   We    have    reasonable  propositions,  from 
good  men,  to  finish  them  both,  in  September  next. 
1th.  About  a  mile  of  the  line,  on  which  the  original 
undertaker  has  failed,  for  which  we  can  make  effectu- 
al provision,  in  the  spring. 

What  is  actually  done  may  be  understood  from  the 
following  summary,  to  wit : — 
ist.  All  the   grubbing  and  clearing  is  done,   except 

about  five  miles. 
2d.  Eight  miles   of  excavation  and  embankment  are 

completed,  inspected  and  accepted. 
3d.  Forty  miles  more  have  all  the  excavation  and 
embankment  performed;  and  the  frost  alone  has 
prevented  their  being  finished.  When  that  is  dis- 
solved, and  the  earth  is  dry,  fifty  cents  a  rod,  will 
entirely  complete  them. 
4th.  Ten  miles  more  are  about  half  done. 

42 


(    330    ) 

5th.  Twenty-one   miles  more,   are  a  quarter  done.— - 

There  remains,   on   the  Middle  Section,   fourteen 

miles  more,  lying  in  detached  pieces,  which  are  yet 

unbroken. 

The  most  costly  embankments  were  to  be  made  at 
Nail-creek,  at  Sedaqueda-creek,  at  Brown  brook,  at 
Brandy  brook,  at  Oneida-creek,  at  Canastota-creek,  at 
Olcott's  brook,  at  Canasaraga-creek,  at  Chitteningo- 
Creek,  at  Beaver-dam-creek,  at  the  outlet  of  the  Little 
lakes,  at  Limestone-creek,  at  Cadwell's  swamp,  at 
Butternut-creek,  at  Onondaga-creek,  at  Harbour-creek, 
at  Geddesburgh,  at  the  west  end  of  section  37,  at  the 
Skeneateles  out-let,  at  Bread-creek,  at  the  Owasco  out- 
let, at  Great  brook,  and  at  Crane  brook.  Of  these 
embankments,  the  nine  most  expensive  are  completed, 
and  the  residue,  in  the  average,  half  completed. 

Two  thirds,  of  all  the  deep  cutting,  is  accomplished. 

The  whole  number,  of  expensive  foundations  re- 
quired, was  seventeen,  of  which  ten  are  sunk  and 
secured,  and  the   rest,   in  considerable   forwardness. 

The  timber,  for  the  waste-weirs,  is  now  felling,  and 
hewing,  and  sawing ;  and  their  constructions,  is  all 
stipulated  for,  at  about  four  dollars,  per  foot  run. 

The  whole  amount  of  mason-work  necessary,  in 
culverts,  aqueducts  and  bridges,  is  one  fourth  done. 

The  timber  for  the  lock-sites  is  preparing;  the 
requisite  quantities  of  stone,  for  all  purposes,  nearly 
quarried ;  and  the  scales  to  weigh  them  all  erected. 

The  only  expensive  dam,  on  the  whole  route,  is  that 
at  the  Oriskany-creek,  which  is  to  be  built  for  $5,700, 
and  is  already  in  some  progress. 

Taking  into  consideration  every  item,  of  material 
and  of  labour,  actually  provided  and  paid  for ;  and  com- 
paring them  with  every  item  remaining  to  be  provided 
and  paid  for,  in  order  to  the  enjoyment  of  a  navigable 
communication,  between  the  Mohawk  and  Seneca 
rivers;  and  it  is  our  opinion,  that  the  proportion  of  the 
former  to  the  latter,  is  nearly  as  two  to  one. 

The  whole  estimated  expense  of  the  canal,  from  Utica 
to  the  Seneca  river,  including  a  proportional  part  of  the 


(    331      ) 

general  allowance,  for  utensils,  work-shops,  barracks 

for  the  men,  &c.  as  stated,  in  our  Report  of  1817,  is  as 

follows,  to  wit : 

From  the  west  end  of  the  old  canal,  at 

Rome,  to  Seneca  river,  ;S853,186 

From  the  east  end  of  the  old  canal,  at 
Rome,  to  Nail-creek,  in  Utica,  exclu- 
sive of  locks,  the  distance  being  14 
miles,  108,128 

Add  eight  feet  lockage  between  Rome 

and  Utica,  at  S  1,250  per  foot,  10,000 

"  Twelve  road  bridges,  at$500,  6,000 

"  Forty-two  occupation-bridges,  at  $200,  8,200 

"  The  proportional  part  of  the  general 

allowance  above  mentioned,  is  17,337 

"  The  expense,  of  widening  and  deep- 
ening the  old  canal,  was  not  inclu- 
ded, in  the  Report  of  1817,  but  was 
estimated,  in  another  place,  at  4,000 

"  For  superintendence  of  engineers, 
&c.  from  west  end  of  old  canal,  at 
Rome,  to  east  side  of  Nail-creek,  at 
%  1 ,000  per  mile,  ]  5,000 


Aggregate  amount,  $1,021,851 

The  whole  amount  of  actual  disburse- 
ments, is  578,549 


Which  being  deducted  from  the  estimates, 

leaves  the  sum  of  $443,302 

applicable  to  the  completion  of  the  Middle  Section. 
This  sum  is  believed  to  be  more  than  sufficient  for 
that  object.  And  if  the  present  winter  shall  afford 
five  weeks  of  good  sleighing  to  draw  stone,  and  the 
next  summer  shall  not  be  unfavourable^,  the  commission- 
ers entertain  sanguine  hopes  of  being  able  to  pass,  in 
a  boat,  throughout  this  section,  before  the  next  meet- 
ing of  your  honourable  body, 

Believing  we  were  authorized  to  institute  and  carry 
on  further  surveys,   «|i  the  eastern  and  western  sec- 


(     332     ) 

tions,  of  the  Erie  canal,  Isaac  Briggs,  Esq.  has  been 
employed  to  explore,  and  re-survey,  and  locate,  the  line 
of  the  canal,  irom  Utica  towards  the  Hudon  river. 
Such  a  location  he  has  made,  for  upwards  of  forty 
miles  including  all  the  difl&cult  places  at  Herkimer 
and  the  Little  Falls.  Of  his  work,  he  has  made  am- 
ple returns  and  estimates,  accompanied  with  elegant 
maps,  and  profiles,  which  are  herewith  presented. 
From  his  estimate,  it  appears,  that  the  cost  of  opening 
the  canal,  through  that  portion  of  the  line,  will  be  less 
than  our  first  calculations. 

In  pursuance  of  that  part  of  the  law,  relating  to  their 
duties,  which  requires  the  canal  commissioners  to  re- 
commend such  measures,  as  they  may  think  advisable, 
for  the  accomplishment  of  the  objects  intended  by  the 
legislature  ;  we  beg  leave  to  recommend ; 
1st.  That   adequate  provision  be  made,   for  opening 
a  navigable  side  cut,  in  the    course  of  the  ensuing 
summer,  from  the  main  canal  to  the  salt  works,  at 
Selina^  This  may   be  performed  in  six   months,  at 
an   expense   not   exceeding  six  thousand   dollars j 
and  as  the  main  canal  is  expected  to  be  navigable 
to  the  waters  of  the  Cayuga  and  Seneca  lakes,  on 
the  one  side,  and  to  those  of  the  Mohawk  river,  on 
the  other,  by  the  close  of  the  next  season,  it  is  appa- 
rent, that  such  a  side  cut  would  immediately  become 
profitable. 
2d.  That  the  militia  law  be  so  modified  as  to  excuse 
from  militia  duty  all  persons  actually  engaged  in  la- 
bouring on  the  canal.     Such  labourers  are,  for  the 
most  part,  in  situations   which  do   not  permit  them 
to  be   properly   armed   and   equipt :  They   cannot 
therefore  be  useful    on  the  parade   ground.     And, 
upon  a  reasonable  calculation,  there  were  during 
the  past  season,   twenty  thousand  dollars  worth  of 
service  lost  to  the  canal,  by  militia  interruptions. 
3d.  That  a  law  be  passed,  the  present  session,  author- 
izing and  providing  for,  the  entire  completion  of  the 
Erie  canal.     Sufficient  experience  has  now  been  ac- 
,quired  to  establish  the  practicability  of  such  a  mea- 


(    333    ) 

sure,  within  the  means  of  the  state.  And  surely,  the 
prosperities,  which  it  will  advance, — of  an  agricul- 
tural, a  commercial,  and  a  manufacturing, — of  a  pub- 
lic, and  a  private, — of  a  pecuniary,  a  literary,  a  po- 
litical, and  a  moral,  character,  commend  it  to  your 
patronage.  It  appears  to  us  to  be  a  measure  invol- 
ving the  highest  earthly  interests.  And,  illustrious 
as  our  country  has  become,  for  the  utility  and  glory 
of  its  achievements,  it  never  had  a  legislative  body, 
engaged  in  a  measure  teeming  with  benefits,  so  vari- 
ous, so  extensive  and  so  durable,  since  the  cry,  of 
"  land,  land,"  was  first  heard,  from  one  of  the  ships 
of  its  great  discoverer.  If  honour  be  coveted,  solid 
and  expansive  as  "the  great  globe  itself,  and  all 
which  it  inherits,"  the  accomplishment  of  this  work 
will  ensure  its  attainment. 
Dated  25th  January,  1819. 

DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
S.  VAN  RENSSELAER, 
MYRON  HOLLEY, 
S.  YOUNG, 
EPHRAIM  HART.* 
And,  in  relation  to  the  Champlain  canal,  the  com- 
missioners report — 

That,  since  the  first  of  June  last,  when  the  season 
became  favourable,  the  excavation  of  the  Champlain 
canal  has  been  vigorously  and  successfully  prosecuted. 
More  than  twelve  miles  have  been  completed,  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  Engineer,  and  a  final  settlement  has 
been  had  with  the  contractors. 

The  remainder  of  the  excavation  is  in  such  a  state 
of  advancement,  that  two  months  of  good  weather  will 
ensure  its  completion,  as  there  is  not  more  on  the  whole 
line  remaining  to  be  done,  than  the  average  excavation 
of  two  and  a  half  miles.  Considerable  progress  has 
been  made  towards  the  construction  of  the  artificial 
works.     The  stone  for  the  locks  have  been  quarried ; 

*  Mr.  Hart  was  appointed  a  Canal  Commissioner  in 
the  room  of  Joseph  Ellicott,  Esq.  resigned. 


(    334    ) 

more  than  half  of  them^  it  is  heheved,  are  already  de- 
livered at  the  places  where  they  are  to  be  used,  and 
a  considerable  portion  of  them  are  hewn,  and  ready  to 
be  laid  into  the  work.  The  timber,  lime,  and  sand,  are 
also  in  a  very  advanced  state  of  preparation.  The  mate- 
rials for  the  culverts,waste-weirs,bridges,^c.areinsuch 
a  state  of  forwardness,  that  there  is  little  doubt  but 
they  will  all  be  prepared  and  delivered  before  the 
breaking  up  of  winter:  and  unless  the  next  season 
should  be  uncommonly  bad,  it  is  confidently  expected, 
that  within  ten  months  from  this  time,  the  Champlain 
canal,  from  the  Lake  to  the  Hudson,  will  be  fit  for  na- 
vigation. 

The  amount  of  labour  which  has  been  performed  the 
last  season,  compared  with  the  expenditures,  fortifies 
the  opinion  expressed  in  the  Report  of  last  season,  that 
the  Champlain  canal  will  be  finished  for  a  sum  not  ex- 
ceeding the  estimates;  and  the  Commissioners  respect- 
fully recommend  the  passage  of  a  law,  authorizing  its 
construction  from  Fort  Edward  to  the  tide  waters  of 
the  Hudson. 


25th  January^  1819. 


DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
S.  VAN  RENSSELAER, 

S.  YOUNG, 
MYRON  HOLLEY, 
EPHRAIM  HART. 


No.  I. 

A  detailed  Statf»inent  of  Contracts  for  Excavation  and  Embankment  on  Middle  Section  of  the 

Erie  Canal. 


Nature  of  Contract. 

Progress  of  Execution. 

Payments 
made  thereon. 

Names  of  Contractors. 

completed 

nearly 
completed 

half  done 

one  fourth 
done 

MIs.Chs. 

MIs.Chs- 

Mis.  Chs 

Mis.  Chs. 

Beckwith  &  Slayton 

Exca.  &  Emb'kt. 

14 

S  2,490 

N.  Hempstead 

55                              55 

17 

2,700 

Dexter,  Pease  &  Moseley 

55                              55 

3 

10 

18,000 

D.  Loomis 

Emb'kt. 

7 

1,300 

Mann  and  VValcott 

Exca.  &  Emb'kt. 

23 

3,106  50 

Joseph  Miller 

55                              55 

46 

1,750 

Timothy  Hunt 

55                              55 

1 

30 

10 

6,710 

James  Donaldson 

55                              55 

10 

520 

James  Lynch 

55                              55 

1 

6,050 

Ezra  Hovey 

55                              55 

25 

30 

20 

3,750 

J.  &  A.  Waggoner 

55                              55 

55 

30 

34 

7,171 

J.  Brainard 

55                              55 

1   64 

13,945  50 

J.  Hathaway 

55                              55 

65 

20 

12 

11,437  50 

E.  Chapin 

55                              55 

60 

30 

15,315 

Joseph  Miller 

55                              55 

75 

6,500 

J.  Richardson 

55                              55 

60 

4,094 

J.  Seymonr 

''     &  Emb'kt  . 

20 

25 

20 

3,921 

A  Brayton 

55                              55 

10 

\5 

2,000 

Selden  &  Edgerton 

55 

40 

3,450 

Comstock  &  Miller 

"    &  Emb'kt. 

40 

20 

5,450 

G.  Seton 

55                              55 

22 

6 

1,750 

M.  H.  Farservice 

55 

45 

15 

15 

4,700 

J.  Colburn 

55                              55 

40 

5,700 

P.  Lyon 

55 

15 

15 

1,370 

Hibbard  &  Ackley 

55 

20 

20 

1,G50 

Parker  &  Collins 

55 

20 

1,000 

Wooley,  Joslin,  Barber 

55 

50 

15 

15 

5,000 

J.  Burrows 

55 

12 

4 

4 

1,300 

Halsey  Collins 

55 

40 

2,420 

P.  Harger 

55 

50 

12 

12 

4,900 

C.  &  H.  Adams 

"    &  Emb'kt. 

1   62 

12 

16,900 

J.  Edgerton 

55                             55 

28 

20 

10 

7,060 

N.  Raymond 

Exca.  &  Emb'kt. 

50 

20 

6 

5,950 

J.  Landon 

55 

35 

30 

30 

4.950 

J.  Van  Camp 

55 

20 

20 

30 

3,750 

S.  HolHday 

55 

15 

10 

25 

2,300 

Joseph  Olcott 

"    &  Emb'kt. 

60 

6 

10 

5,600 

A.  Fuller 

55 

12 

15 

1,300 

W.  Cotton 

55                                 55 

50 

30 

6,850 

Zebulon  Douglass 

Exca. 

15 

10 

40 

2,650 

J.  Chapman 

Emb'kt. 

20 

5,700 

S.  W.  Bond 

Exca. 

25 

10 

40 

2,950 

Brown  &  Hall 

55                           55 

35 

15 

60 

5,450 

Abercrombie 

»    &  Emb'kt. 

23 

2,900 

Cady  &  Harris 

55                              55 

20 

15 

3,050 

D.  Eggleston 

55                              55 

43 

40 

20 

1  20 

6,850 

i 

Progress  of 

Execution 

Payments 
made  thereon. 

Name  of  Contractors. 

Nature  of  Contract. 

completed 

nearly 

completed. 

half  done 

one-fouith 
done 

Mls.Chs. 

Mls.Chs. 

Mls.Chs. 

Mis.  Chs. 

Sage  &  Jiangs 

Exca.&Emb'kt. 

10 

46 

g2,600 

Baily  &  Edwards 

?i 

20 

10 

55 

3,900 

R.  Noble 

?> 

25 

1,200 

Gay  &  Wilcox 

)5 

26 

3,550 

J.  Richardson 

"^       & 

Emb'kt. 

2     5 

10 

35 

19,950 

N.  Woolaver 

!5 

20 

5 

850 

E.  Gumaer,  Jun. 

"        & 

Emb'kt. 

1   20 

20 

20,000 

Vroman  &  Hempstead 

)) 

55, 

45 

2,800 

E.  Cadwell 

?> 

55 

45 

9,119  04 

Teal  &  Bangs 

?? 

55 

57 

4,130 

Olcott  &  Leonard 

9? 

55 

1   37 

15,300 

S.  Bronson 

5» 

55 

1    13 

6,400 

R.  Parsons 

5? 

55 

45 

2,650 

J.  Ingalls 

?) 

55 

25 

10 

45 

3,850 

S.  N.  Dexter 

"         & 

Emb'kt. 

60 

20 

45 

9,650 

E.  Gumear,  Jun. 

:j 

•5 

60 

30 

40 

8,300 

A.  C.  Hoar 

»? 

40 

20 

2,800 

Whitney  &  Crocker 

)5 

30 

40 

3,000 

J. Ives 

?5 

35 

21 

45 

3,750 

C.  Hatter 

5? 

50 

10 

3,100 

J .  Crocker 

5> 

25 

25 

5 

2,150 

J.  B.  Olcott 

'5 

35 

18 

35 

3,250 

H.  Bogardus 

Exca. 

32 

15 

28 

4,150 

R.  Lloyd 

n 

15 

15 

25 

2,652 

E.  Griffin 

5» 

20 

12 

8 

2,400 

F.  Lasher 

55 

40 

12 

36 

7,350 

C.  Clark 

5? 

15 

5 

9 

1,480 

A.  Scott 

?» 

40 

I5884  81 

J.  Baldwin  or  Brown 

"         & 

Emb'kt. 

50 

22 

20 

4,000 

Hoar  &  Barse 

20 

20 

20 

2,250 

D.  Eggleston 

Exca.  & 

Emb'kt. 

10 

40 

1,400 

Griswold  &  Bender 

55 

50 

15 

30 

4,200 

C.  Moseley 

"        & 

Emb'kt. 

45 

20 

35 

3,000 

B.  Gumaer 

5J 

55 

75 

20 

25 

6,000 

A.  Wilson,  (now  Scott) 

95 

55 

30 

10 

15 

2,372 

Gay  &  Raymond 

55 

55 

25 

64 

3,900 

J.  A.  Sherwood 

"         & 

Emb'kt. 

70 

9 

10 

4,550 

M.  Benedict 

55 

55 

60 

15 

15 

4,600 

Richmond  &  Hamilton 

55 

A(\ 

•"^O 

2,025 
3,000 

C.  Moseley 

55 

31 

18 

Potter  &  Babcock 

55 

46 

14 

3,150 

C.  Moseley 

"        & 

Emb'kt. 

30 

5 

10 

3,000 

W.  Hempstead 

55 

40 

35 

2,700 

Joslin  &  Cadwell 

"    &  Emb'kt. 

30 

50 

4,000 

Tyler  ^  Hovey 

"                             55 

70 

50l 

4,800 

II  8  b4 

40  0'6\ 

10  48 

20  52 

1 

Most  of  the  eight  miles  and  sixty-four  chains,  (above  mentioned  to  be  completed,)  and  seve- 
ral places  on  those  sections  which  are  nearly  completed,  are  filled  with  water,  into  which  a 
few  boats  have  already  been  introduced. 


(    337    ) 

No.  2. 

A  I  able ^  showino-  the  location,  ilimensmis^  ^'c.  of  the  Jique- 
ducts.  Culverts  and  Waste-  Weirs,  on  the  Middle  Section  of 
the  Erie  Canal. 

Of  the  Aqueducts. 


Location. 

Len 

irth. 

Materials. 

At  SedaqueJa  creek, 

240  ieet. 

Stone  and  wood- 

"  Wood  creek, 

40 

ri 

do. 

"  Oneida  creek, 

J  20 

?» 

All  stone. 

"  Canasaraga  creek, 

40 

55 

Stone  and  wood. 

"  Chitteningo  creek, 

110 

11 

do. 

"  Limestone  creek, 

110 

11 

do. 

"  Butternut  creek, 

110 

11 

do. 

"  Onondaga  creek, 

180 

11 

All  stone. 

"  Nine-Mile  creek. 

120 

11 

do. 

"  Skeneateles  out-let, 

100 

11 

do. 

"  Cold  Spring  brook, 

100 

11 

Stone  and  wood. 

"  Owasco  out-let, 

150 

11 

All  stone. 

"  Crane  brook, 

100 

11 

Stone  and  wood. 

In  the  Report  of  1817,  the  above  aqueducts  were  all 
estimated  to  be  of  wooden  trunks,  resting  on  stone 
abutments  and  piers. 


Of  the  Stone  Culverts. 


Location.                  Span  of  the  Arch., 

Length. 

At  Nail  creek. 

14  feet, 

70  feet. 

"  Stony  creek, 

15    " 

64    " 

"  Brandy  brook, 

10    " 

64    " 

*'  Beaver-dam  creek. 

10    " 

64    " 

"  Little  lakes, 

8    " 

72    " 

"  Harbour  creek, 

10    " 

72    " 

"  Hughes'  creek. 

4    " 

120    " 

*'  Great  brook, 

10    " 

61    " 

44 

(    338  ) 
Of  the  Iron  Culverts, 


Location.                              Diameter.  Length. 

On  Section  L, 3  feet,  .  .  69  feet 

„       do.      I, do.  .  .  75 

At  Swamp  brook,  .     .     .     .  do.  .  .  6a 

„  Brown  brook,    .     ,     .     .  do.  .  .  60 

„  Rush  creek,       ....  do.  ...  75 

„  Black  creek,      ....  do.  .  .  75 

„  Mud  creek,        ....  do.  .  .  75 

Near  Cowaston  creek,     .     .  do.  .  .  75 

Near  Chitteningo  creek,       .  do.  .  .  72 

At  Cadwell's  swamp,        .     •  do.  .  .  7i 

„  Whipple's 2  feet  ..  63 

On  Section  No.  11,      ...  do.  .  .  69 

On  Section  No.  10,      ...  do.  .  .  69 

Near  Barker's, 1  foot,  .  .  60 

Near  Lroomis,, do.  .  .  60 


The  above  iron  culverts,  consist  of  pieces  cast,  in 
the  shape  of  half  cylinders,  with  flanges,  and  connected 
together,  with  nuts  and  screws.  They  were  contracted 
for,  at  the  rate  of  ^^89  per  ton  delivered ;  and  the  whole 
expense  of  them  when  properly  laid  and  secured,  has 
been,  of  those  that  are  three  f^et  in  diameter,  about 
$500  a  piece,  of  those  that  are  two  feet  in  diameter, 
about  $340,  and  of  those  that  are  one  foot  in  diameter, 
about  ;^170 


(    339    ) 
Of  the  Waste  Weirs, 


Location.  Length. 

At  Shepard's  brook,        ....  100  feet. 

,,  Section  C,         100  „ 

„  Wood  creek,  near  white  house,  150  „ 

^,  Section  No.  5,        100  „ 

„  Drum  creek, 100  ?» 

Near  Oneida  creek;,         .     .     .     .  100  „ 

At  Cowaston  creek,         .     .     .     .  150  „ 

,  Canastota  creek, 100  „ 

,  Olcott's  brook,       .....  60  „ 

,  Pool's  brook, 100  „ 

,  Mill  creek,        100  „ 

,  Hand's  brook,        100  „ 

,  Camp's  brook, 100  „ 

,  Carpenter's  brook,     .     .     .     .  150  „ 

,  White  bottom  brook,     .     .     .  100  „ 

,  Bread  creek, 150  „ 

,  Tyler's  brook,        100  „ 

The  expense  of  these  w?iste-weirs  was  not  included 
in  our  estimates  of  1817* 


340 


o 


o 


^ 


'^ 


io 


«0 


^H 


O 

s 
o 


u 
Qi 


O  f: 


CO  »o  O 
0  05^0 

I— 1  O  "^ 


O 


13 


O  O 

O  "^  O  'T3  I"* 
O         »0         00 


O  O 
O  lO 


o  j; 


1>  00 


O  CO  -^  o  o 


03 

12; 


-ii! 

o 

'  cr*  o 


O 

o 


o  ^ 


o 

.s 

'S 

0) 


n3 


q; 


a  !-<   9^ 
tu   efl   ee   ^  ^6   cc   ^,   «3 

03"^     CO'^i^     m     ^     03 

HOHCQOHHO 


M 

bCs 


ill 

^  <y  ^ 


o 
o 

o  ci 
S  ^ 

0)   o 

-a  G 
HO 


eft 

o  - 


CO 

S^  o  -     o 


M)  CD 


CO 

to  "p 


CJ  hS 


O  '• 


00000000000i000»0000 

(NOOOO'-iOOO©Oi:^(NOi>«^00 

COCOf—  OCOe^fO-^COCN'^         COO         <N»oo 

(N  CO  I-*  CO 


C 
O 

CO 

^  o 
z:  CO 

-G  ^ 

Hep 


O      rT 

-^  (o  c  S 
o  <^  -^  cs 


-G  JaJ 
*-    o    ^ 

G  ffi  -a 

H-5  W  1-4 


o  o 

«5 


iH-i^ 


•    03  H-l 


cu 


a   03 


a;  S  G 

^  G  ^    t- 
cd   (U   cd 


03 

an 

-G-J 


(   341    ) 


a. 


Oh 


o 


^ 


o 

q;' 

co^co  c0c000c0o(m(n(nc0 

0~  O  O  O"  O"  O   r4^  i-T  -^  T-^  p4~ 
5(^ 


a 

I— I 

CIS 

a 

OJ    o 

03     I- 


-a 
o 
o 

,  a 
a;  K^ 

CO    w 

^  t^ 

Cfi     S 
"TS    o 

O       tH 


o 


0)  p 

2i  «)   o 


C     CS     oj 
.-<     O  _M 


^  o 

O     02 

o 

es 
«    G 

^  o 


u 

cd 

G 
ce 

"^ 
x> 

G 
O 

o 


Oh:^ 


o«£>oooo'-Hoa50o 

OC^>OiOJ>COO"^!-H-?jH(M 


O     J/3 

CO  M 
CO    g 


o  ^ 

Is  fl 


"^   cd 
>    G 


a> 

r5  CD 

o  'sZ 

u 

n3   cd 

o  ^ 


?i-3 


CO 

a 


C  VG 


a; 


^   o 


Cd      ,      "i-i 


O 
^ 


-d 
cd 


n3 

cu 
u 

b£  ^ 
cd 

Si 

cd 


cd 

u 

G 
O 
C^ 

CO     ^ 

Cd   <3 


■^     G 

CO     <3 

u 


CO 
1—1 
CO 


0^ 

cd 


G 

o 


S-c 

G 
O 


G     ^      O    ^ 


n3 

G 

.2 

G 


o 

Cd 

CO 

Oi 


CD 

u 
-G 


CO 

O 


o; 


Cd 
=s 
O^ 

'^ 

s 

CO 

^^ 

qT 

n3 

Cd 

B 

G 
CD 
O) 

cd 

G 
cd 


cd 

<D 

cd 
Cd    ^ 


be    O 

.S      G 
n3      O 

Oh  ^ 


-G 


cd 


^2    =    1 


G     "^ 


0) 


0) 
G 
O 


O) 
G 

.2 

G 
OP 


1) 


G        03 
O      'Vm 

o    o 


(    342   ) 


o 
o 


O  o    G  O  O    C 
o  o   O  lO  »o   o 


o 


^ 


2  CO  i-H   F-^  C5  05 


cc 


e 


03 

o    ,. 

.-^  ^  i5  IS  ^  ^ 

5   "^   o  ® 

G    OJ    «    -    "^ 


3  ^  S  "    W 

Ctf  C  S  O)    tc 

q;  cd  sfl  o  w 

(jq  (^  _  i-^  »—(  ri 


CO     g; 


G 
O 

s 
«^ 

G 

-G 

O 


<^ 


G 
O 

03    OJ 
3    3 


0) 

OJ 

"T? 

■4-1 

Sk 

G 
O 

CO 

G 

G 

G 
V 
X 

O 

o 

0) 

Ph 

o 

G 

'blD 

02 

^ 

O 

CO 

o 

u 

P4 

•a 

^ 

0? 

^ 

tri 

;-i 

G 

C 

V 

p^ 

OJ 

O 

<u 

t3 
G 
3 

Si 

.F-i 

03 

•l-H 

u 

^ 

«« 

o 

2 

^ 

Pm 

'o 

OJ 

t4 

0) 

n3 

Ph 

CO 

03 

'o 

'■a 

3 

o 

,J2 

^G 

02 

•i-H 

03 

G 

o 

^-4 

-d 

6 

1— ( 
O 

"13 
G 

03 

02 

fcS) 

-G 

to" 

-G 

CO 

03 

-«^ 

'5 

'^ 

-t-l 

^ 

^ 

^ 

3 

0) 

SB 

G 
O 

1 
0) 

-G 

o 

1—1 

nS 

G 
O 

^ 

c^ 

o 

05 

m 

o 

« 

-a 

^-1 

CO 

03 

<L> 

« 

O 

o 

^ 
^ 

0) 

cd 

e^-i 

*cc 
3 

o 

<Xi    -^ 

G 
O 

o 

4) 

O 
■*^ 
(-> 

cc 
P^ 

03 

G 

•  FN 
P^ 

u 

1 1 

a 

o 

G 

•  FN 

o 

o 

I— 1 
-G 

G      <1> 

S;    o. 

^ 

•^^ 

^•-i 

rs 

3      0) 

^  1 

r^ 

o 

a 

c 

>>, 

■p 

Eh 

o 
o 

C 

G 
O 

CO 

03 

a 

02 

-p 

«3 

(     343     ) 


•       No.  4. 

A  list  of  cases,  in  which  claims  for  damages,  on  the 
canal  line,  between  Utica  and  Seneca  river,  have  been 
decided  upon,  and  certified,  by  the  Appraisers,  toge- 
ther with  the  amount  of  damages  in  each. 


JYames  of  Claimants. 

j^mount  of  damages  allowed. 

Leonard  Peck 

.     g!l20 

John  Reed,  (an  Indian 

30 

John  Mitchell 

80 

Qlivia  Lewis 

25 

Peter  Gumaer 

.       330 

Mary  Huntley 

300 

Ira  Huntley 

30 

Heirs  in  reversion  of  the  real 

estate  of  Huntley 

, 

1 

Samuel  Lusk 

30 

Dennis  Rust 

more 

benefitted  than  injured 

William  Brown 

the  same 

Robert  B.  Cunningham 

the  same 

Benjamin  Simpson 

the  same 

John  Johnson 

the  same 

John  Nicholson 

30 

Calvin  Corey 

30 

Ephraim  Emerick 

75 

Benjamin  Rooker 

...         25 

Recompense  Sowle 

§0 

Frederick  Real 

30 

Henry  Kip 

.       350 

John  Hecox 

more 

benefitted  than  injured 

William  G.  Tracy 

the  same 

Daniel  Wiles 

^ 

.         .         .         50 

Eli  Hays 

• 

;        100 

Aggregate  sum  is 

J?!  1,686 

(      344  ) 
ANNUAL  REPORT,  &c. 

OF  THE  CANAL  COMMISSIONERS,  COMMUNICATED     TO  THE 
LEGISLATURE,  FEB.  18,  1820. 


To  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Mew-York :  In  obedience 
to  the  Act  entitled  '•'•An  Act  respecting  navigable  commu- 
nications between  the  great  Western  and  JS'orthern  LaJces 
and  the  Atlantic  Ocean,''''  passed  April  16th,  iSll  the 
Canal  Commissioners  most  respectfully  Report — 

In  reference  to  the  Erie  Canal,- — 

That  the  middle  section  thereof  has  been  so  far 
completed,  during  the  past  season,  that  large  boats 
have  actually  navigated  it,  for  the  distance  of  seventy- 
miles  :  and  nothing  has  hindered  such  navigation 
throughout  the  residue  of  the  section,  for  several  weeks 
previously  to  the  meeting  of  your  honourable  body, 
but  the  setting  in  of  frost.  The  important  fact  of  the 
accuracy  of  the  levels,  from  one  end  to  the  other,  of 
this  section,  has  been  ascertained,  by  the  most  satisfac- 
tory and  infallible  proof — the  admission  of  water.  And 
when  it  is  remembered  that  the  length  of  our  Rome 
summit  is  now  extended  to  near  sixty  miles,  this  result, 
so  gratifying  on  every  account,  cannot  fail  to'  beget 
strong  confidence  in  the  skill,  and  ajust  praise  for  the 
care,  of  our  engineer. 

Having  now  witnessed  the  completion  of  a  great 
number  and  variety  of  canal  contracts,  with  constant 
and  anxious  attention  to  the  mode  of  their  execution, 
in  every  stage  of  their  progress,  for  the  purpose  of  ob- 
taining all  the  benefits  suggested  by  experience,  we 
expect,  hereafter,  considerable  improvements  in  the 
manner  of  conducting  our  labours  For  a  resolute 
ambition  of  success,  and  the  application  of  vigorous 
industry,  we  cannot  hope  that  an  equal  number  of  men 


(     345     ) 

^viil  ever  be  more  distinguished  than  those  who  have 
hitherto  been  employed. 

We  have  found,  that  in  removing  common  earth, 
where  the  depth  does  not  exceed  four  or  five  feet,  and 
the  ground  is  dry,  the  plough  and  scraper  can  be  used 
to  greater  profit  than  any  other  means  of  excavation 
with  which  we  are  acquainted.  And  the  banks  which 
are  constructed  with  scrapers,  from  being  constantly 
and  uniformly  travelled  over  by  the  cattle  and  men, 
during  the  time  required  to  raise  and  form  them,  are  so 
thoroughly  compacted  as  to  be  not  much  in  danger  of 
injurious  settling,  after  they  are  once  completed.  A 
great  proportion  of  our  work  has  heretofore  been  per- 
formed with  these  instruments.  But  as  both  the  west- 
ern and  eastern  sections  of  the  canal,  will  pass  through 
but  little  wet  land,  in  comparison  with  that  which  is 
traversed  by  the  middle,  the  use  of  them  hereafter 
will  be  much  increased. 

It  was  determined  by  the  canal  commissioners,  when 
they  entered  on  the  construction  of  the  canal,  that  the 
inside  slope  of  the  banks  should  be  such,  that  a  foot 
perpendicular  rise  should  give  not  less  than  eighteen 
inches  horizontal  base.  This  slope  is  often  adopted 
in  England  ;  and  in  earth  unapt  to  slip,  it  will  answer; 
but  in  clay,  in  light  earth,  especially  if  it  contain  much 
water,  and  wherever  sand  predominates^  a  greater 
slope  is  expedient. 

The  inside  slope  of  the  banks  through  the  middle 
section,  is  generally  such  as  that  above  indicated. 
There  are,  however,  several  places  where  it  is  greater. 
And  it  is  our  intention  for  the  future,  except  where  pe- 
culiar circumstances  forbid,  to  increase  the  slope.  For 
besides  diminishing  the  danger  of  having  the  banks  slide 
into  the  bottom  of  the  canal,  by  diminishing  their  ac- 
clivity, it  requires  but  little  observation  to  become  con- 
vinced, that  such  diminution  lessens  the  labour  of 
forming  the  banks.  This  is  true,  when  the  banks  are 
formed  by  shovelling  and  wheeling,  but  it  is  eminently 
so  when  the  work  is  done  by  ploughing  and  scraping. 
A  slope,  of  a  foot  rise  to  eighteen  inches  base,  is  so 

45 


(     346      ) 

sleep  that  it  is  difficult  to  drive  cattle  or  horses  up  it, 
with  a  loaded  scraper  behind  them :  and  as  the  exca- 
vation approaches  the  bottom  of  the  canal,  the  diffi- 
culty of  this  operation  greatly  increases.  Indeed, 
where  scrapers  have  been  used,  the  excavation  from 
the  bottom  of  the  canal,  at  the  edges,  has  been  left  un- 
finished, with  the  adjoining  banks  also  unfinished  and 
very  sloping,  so  that  much  labour  with  spades  and  shov- 
els, was  afterwards  necessary  to  take  out  the  earth 
from  the  bottom,  and  place  it  in  the  face  of  the  banks, 
at  the  top,  in  order  to  their  completion:  Or,  if  this  la- 
bour with  spades  and  shovels  was  saved,  the  earth  in 
the  bottom  of  the  canal  at  the  edges,  was  ploughed  up, 
and  the  scrapers,  after  being  loaded  by  drav»^ing  them 
lengthwise  of  the  canal  on  the  bottom,  drawn  up  the 
banks,  at  places  of  easy  ascent  left  in  them,  about  ten 
I'ods  apart,  for  the  purpose,  and  after  arriving  at  the 
top,  were  drawn  lengthwise  of  the  canal,  for  some  dis- 
tance, and  then  unloaded  on  the  inner  brow  of  the 
bank. 

This  last  mode  of  completing  the  excavation  and 
giving  shape  to  the  banks,  has  been  found  the  most  eco- 
nomical; but  to  both  modes  the  danger  of  slips  is 
equally  incidental,  and  greater  than  it  is  where  the 
banks  are  formed  by  wheelbarrows ;  because,  in  both, 
the  loose  earth,  which  is  required  to  finish  the  inside 
face  of  the  bank  at  the  top,  is  always  laid  upon  a  slop- 
ing and  hard  trodden  surface^,  with  which  it  will  not 
speedily  form  a  solid  connection. 

Horses  and  cattle  can  draw  loaded  scrapers,  with- 
out much  inconvenience,  up  a  bank  of  which  the  slope 
is  such  as  to  give  a  base  of  two  feet  to  a  rise  of  one 
foot;  and  if  the  face  of  the  bank  is  left  hard,  as  it  will 
be  made  by  being  travelled  on  in  the  process  of  its  con- 
struction with  the  scraper,  there  will  remain  no  doubt 
of  its  retaining  its  shape  with  very  little  impression  from 
heavy  rains.  This  is  an  advantage  of  great  importance, 
as  it  respects  the  expense  of  repairs  and  preservation 
of  the  beauty  of  the  canal :  and  the  increased  slope,  by 
giving  a  width  of  surface  at  the  top  water-line  four  feet 


(     347     ) 

greater  than  would  be  afforded  by  the  slope  originally 
adopted,  will  also  add  to  the  facility  of  motion  on  the 
canal. 

Wherever  the  canal  line  crosses  lands  abounding  in 
springs,  or  very  wet  from  any  other  cause,  but  so  situ- 
ated as  to  admit  of  draining,  the  spade  and  wheelbar- 
row are  indispensible  utensils,  in  any  common  depth  of 
digging;  and  one  of  our  contractors,  Mr.  Jeremiah 
Brainard,  of  Rome,  has  invented  a  wheel  barrow,which, 
without  being  more  expensive  than  those  in  common 
use,  is  acknowledged  by  all  who  have  seen  it,  to  be 
greatly  superior  to  them  Its  advantages  consist  in  its 
being  lighter,  more  durable,  and  much  easier  to  unload. 

Experience  has  convinced  us,  that  after  the  grub- 
bing and  clearing  is  done,  it  is  most  judicious  to  carry 
the  excavation,  wherever  it  is  begun,  as  soon  as  may  be, 
to  the  bottom ;  and  as  the  work  advances  to  complete 
every  part  of  the  canal. 

Many  jobs  on  the  middle  section  have  had  three 
,  fourths  and  often  larger  portions  of  the  digging  per- 
formed, and  the  banks  nearly  raised,  but  left  with  the 
earth  sloping  inwards  from  their  outward  extremity, 
after  which  the  contractor  has  transferred  his  labour 
to  other  parts  of  the  job,  intending  to  bring  the  whole 
into  a  similar  state,  and  then  to  finish  his  work  by  tak- 
ing out  the  residue  of  the  bottom,  giving  it  the  proper 
width,  and  dressing  off  the  banks — From  this  course 
of  management  much  evil  has  ensued.  The  excavation 
from  the  bottom,  after  baking  for  months  in  the  sun,  has 
always  been  found  much  more  difficult,  the  amount  of 
yards  has  been  materially  increased  by  an  unnecessary 
wash  from  the  banks,  the  labour  necessary  to  complete 
the  banks  has  been  augmented,  and  after  such  labour 
has  been  bestowed,  there  is  less  beauty  in  the  whole 
work,  and  it  is  more  liable  to  injury.  These  evils  will 
all  be  obviated,  by  completing  the  canal  with  as  little 
delay  as  possible  after  the  ground  is  broken. 

In  all  cases  it  is  essential,  that  care  should  be  taken 
to  secure  a  sufficient  drain  from  every  part  of  the  ejt- 
cavation,  otherwise  the  most  injurious  interruptipns 


(     348  ) 

will  be  suffered  from  every  shower.  No  person  without 
experience  can  be  fully  aware  of  the  disadvantages 
of  labouring  in  wet  earth.  It  is  much  heavier,  more 
tenacious  and  more  slippery  than  dry,  and  of  course 
harder  to  load,  harder  to  remove,  and  harder  to  unload : 
and  after  it  is  unloaded  into  a  bank,  much  of  it  will 
run  down  so  as  to  require  a  second  removal.  The  la- 
bourers who  work  in  it  destroy  more  clothes,  live  more 
expensively,  are  more  exposed  to  sickness,  and  require 
higher  wages,  than  other  labourers ;  the  cattle  and 
horses  sooner  fail,  and  there  is  more  wear  and  tear  of 
every  implement.  Hardly  any  expense  should  be  avoid- 
ed, which  is  necessary  to  provide  good  draining.  Some 
of  our  contractors  have  not  been  duly  sensible  of  this, 
and  have  lost  more  or  less  in  consequence.  By  open- 
ing a  drain  whenever  the  excavation  is  begun,  and  by 
completing  the  canal  as  the  work  advances,  the  bene- 
fits of  an  ample  drain  will  be  secured  to  every  part  of 
the  line. 

But  this  course  of  proceeding  will  also  produce  other . 
good  consequences.  The  amount  of  money  earned  by 
the  contractors,from  the  time  of  one  payment  to  another, 
may  be  more  accurately  and  easily  estimated.  The 
contractor  will  more  readily  understand  the  exact  con- 
dition of  his  business,  as  to  profit  and  loss,  and  the 
workmen  will  be  better  able  to  secure  themselves 
against  frauds  or  insolvency  in  their  employers.  With 
the  greatest  care  to  ascertain  the  quality  of  the  excava- 
tion in  any  given  section  of  the  canal,  previous  to  its 
being  let  out,  it  is  impossible  to  provide  against  the 
occurrence  of  unforeseen  obstructions  in  the  earth, 
which  must  be  paid  for  at  an  equitable  valuation,  after 
they  shall  be  disclosed  and  overcome.  The  practice 
of  completing  the  canal  as  above  mentioned,  would 
render  these  valuations  more  satisfactory  to  all  parties, 
because  the  precise  nature  and  extent  of  such  obstruc- 
tions would  be  more  clearly  perceived,  and  the  labour 
laid  out  upon  them  would  be  more  easily  distinguished 
from  other  labor. 

Our  efforts  have  now  been  continued  so  long,  have 


(     349    ) 

embraced  so  great  a  variety  of  operations,  and  have 
actually  given  us  an  excellent  navigation,  for  so  great  a 
distance,  that  we  suppose  the  public  mind  is  fully  satisfi- 
ed of  the  practicability  of  the  canals. 

The  original  estimate  of  the  middle  section,  extend- 
ing from  Utica  to  the  Seneca  river,  in  the  aggreajate 
amounted  to  $1,021>51 

The  real  cost  of  its  construction  has  been  ^1,1 25,983 
Making  an  excess  of  expenditure  over  the 

estimate  of  $104,132 

A  little  more  than  ten  per  cent. 

This  excess  has  been  produced  chiefly  by  the  fol- 
lowing causes : 

I.  The  width  of  water  in  the  canal,  in  all  cases  of 
embankment,  was  originally  intended  to  be  only  thirty 
feet  at  the  surface,  and  the  estimate  was  made  ac- 
cordingly. These  embankments  have,  however,  all 
been  made  so  as  to  give  the  common  width  of  forty  feet 
at  the  surface.  This  alteration  has  very  much  increased 
the  quantity  of  earth  in  those  embankments  which 
required  filling  in  at  the  bottom ;  and  as  all  the  large 
embankments  are  of  this  character,  it  has  added  con- 
siderably to  their  expense.  It  was  not  adopted  without 
mature  deliberation,and  a  strong  conviction  of  its  being 
judicious.  It  was  found  that  aqueducts,  road  bridges, 
farm  bridges,  and  a  few  other'unavoidable  causes  of  con- 
tracting the  width  of  the  canal,  were  of  such  frequent 
occurrence  along  the  line,  as  to  make  it  very  desirable, 
for  the  sake  of  presenting  no  unnecessary  obstruction 
to  motion  through  the  water,  to  preserve  the  ordinary 
width  in  all  places  where  it  was  practicable. 

The  plan  of  several  of  the  more  artificial  works  has 
been  altered,  always  it  is  believed  for  the  better,  but 
so  as  to  render  them  more  expensive.  Of  this  class  are 
the  following,  to  wit : 

The  aqueduct  over  Oneida  creek.  This  was  origin- 
ally calcula.ted  to  be  made  of  wood — it  is  constructed 
of  solid  masonry. 

The  aqueduct  over  the  Onondaga  creek  has  been 
greatly  enlarged.     It  is  built  entirely  of  stone. 


(    350    ) 

The  aqueduct  over  Nine-mile  creek  was  originally 
intended  to  consist  of  stone  abutments  and  piers  with 
a  wooden  trunk.  It  is  constructed  exclusively  of  stone, 
and  has  been  much  enlarged  by  raising  the  level  of  the 
canal  at  that  place  eleven  feet. 

At  the  Skeneateles  outlet  the  original  estimate  em- 
braced a  dam,  which  has  since  been  superseded  by  an 
aqueduct  of  solid  stone  work,  which  is  also  raised  eleven 
feet  above  the  original  level. 

The  aqueduct  across  the  Owasco  creek  has  been 
much  enlarged,  and  a  wooden  trunk  has  been  displaced 
for  stone  arches. 

II.  Waste-weirs  have  been  constructed  in  various 
places,  where  it  was  believed  no  sufficient  provision 
could  otherwise  be  had  to  discharge  the  surplus  waters 
with  which  the  canal  would  be  filled  by  the  spring 
floods  :  and  the  aggregate  extent  of  these  is  about  two 
thousand  feet. 

III.  The  most  prolific  source  of  unforeseen  expense, 
has  been  found  in  hard  excavation :  and  this  w^e  have 
had  in  many  places,  and  in  all  the  varieties  of  hard- 
pan,  quick-sand,  breccia,  marl,  gypsum,  and  limestone. 

When  the  canal  line  was  located  by  the  engineer,  he 
dug  or  bored  into  the  earth  in  several  places  on  every 
mile,  to  the  bottom  of  the  canal,  for  the  purpose  of 
ascertaining  the  quality  of  the  excavation.  Upon  in- 
formation thus  gained,  he  represented  the  character  of 
the  earth  to  be  dug  through,  in  his  sectional  maps.  And 
when  the  commissioners  entered  into  contracts,  such 
maps,  with  the  representations  contained  in  them,  were 
the  basis  of  the  prices  stipulated  to  be  paid  by  them. 
But  they  always  gave  verbal  assurances  to  the  con- 
tractors, that  if  in  the  progress  of  the  work  it  should 
turn  out,  that  the  excavation  was  manifestly  worse  than 
it  was  represented  to  be,  then  they  would  pay  for  the 
extra  difficulty  arising  from  that  cause  such  sum  as  the 
engineer  should  deem  reasonable,  over  and  above  the 
stipulated  prices.  Under  such  engagements  large  sums 
have  been  paid. 

1st.  For  hard-pan.    On  many  sections  of  the  canal. 


(    351    ) 

the  earth  has  become  harder,  ahnost  in  exact  propor- 
tion to  the  depth  of  excavation  below  the  surface,  and 
often  harder  than  the  earth  bored  or  dug  through  by 
the  engineer. — Such  earth  has  been  of  several  descrip- 
tions :  in  some  places,  a  hard  tenacious  clay,  closely 
filled  with  numerous  stones ;  in  others,  and  more  fre- 
quently, a  compact  mixture  of  sand  and  loam,  very 
hard,  and  filled  with  blue  gravel.  Much  of  these  kinds 
of  earth  has  been  found  in  such  condition,  that  the 
most  industrious  men  were  unable  to  excavate  more 
than  three  yards  in  twelve  hours. 

2d.  For  quick-sand.  This  is  a  most  unmanageable 
substance,  and  generally  dangerous  wherever  it  oc- 
curs.— It  has  subjected  us  to  extra  expense  on  several 
sections,  not  merely  by  the  necessity  which  it  always 
induces,  of  performing  the  excavation  two  or  three 
times  over,  but  also  by  compelling  us  in  a  number  of 
places,  to  make  defences  against  it  of  timber  and 
plank. 

3d.  For  breccia.  Patches  of  this  have  been  fre- 
quently found,  but  they  have  not  been  large,  except  in 
a  few  places.  The  excavation  of  it  is  generally  more 
difficult  than  almost  any  rock  of  secondary  formation, 
and  has  cost  from  fifty  cents  to  two  dollars  per  cubic 
yard.  The  largest  masses  of  it  have  been  encountered 
in  places  continually  wet,  by  springs  or  small  streams. 

4th.  For  marl.  In  Madison,  Onondaga  and  Cayuga 
counties,  many  miles  of  the  canal  are  carried  through 
beds  of  marl,  which,  when  it  is  first  uncovered,  is  hard, 
and  in  appearance,  stone  of  a  slaty  structure,  but  which 
after  it  is  broken  up  and  removed  into  the  banks,  by 
exposure  to  the  air,  crumbles  first  into  small  pieces,  and 
finally  into  a  fine  earth ;  so  that  no  one  would  imagine, 
after  it  has  been  a  short  time  excavated,  that  it  ever 
offered  any  obstruction  to  the  contractor :  and  yet  the 
excavation  of  it  has  cost  from  thirty  to  seventy-five 
cents  per  cubic  yard. 

5th.  For  gypsum.  Some  extra  expense  has  been  in- 
curred by  the  excavation  of  gypsum,  on  sections  27,  28, 
59  and  63.  * 


(    352    ) 

6th.  For  limestone.  This  has  been  found  in  great, 
abundance,  on  sections  19,  22, 23,  24, 27,  30,  31,  32,  33, 
37  and  40 ;  and  the  expense  of  removing  it  has  been 
from  thirtj-seven  and  a  half  cents  to  one  dollar  per 
cubic  yajd. 

As  another  cause  of  the  excess  of  expenditure  over 
estimate,  on  the  middle  section,  may  be  mentioned. 

IV.  The  want  of  sleighing  last  winter.  We  had  cal- 
culated upon  great  advantages  for  the  delivery  of  seve- 
ral kinds  of  materials,  particularly  timber,  plank,  lime, 
sand  and  stone,  by  sleighing.  The  roads  leading  to 
most  places  where  these  articles  were  wanted,  are 
usually  bad  in  the  summer  season.  Recently  made 
over  a  rich  deep  soil,  and  rough  with  frequent  cause- 
ways, it  was  obvious  that  they  would  be  almost  impas- 
sable with  heavy  loads  on  wheels.  But  when  the  earth 
is  frozen,  and  covered  with  a  common  winter  depth  of 
snow,  such  roads  afford  as  good  a  path  as  any  other. 
We  had  therefore  been  at  great  pains  to  make  con- 
tracts for  these  articles,  early  enough  in  the  fall,  to  en- 
joy the  expected  benefit  of  sleighing,  for  their  delive- 
ry :  And  much  labour  had  been  expended  in  quarrying 
stone,  felling  and  hewing  timber,  sawing  plank,  burning 
lime  and  hiring  teams,  to  make  the  most  of  that  bene- 
fit.— But  there  was  no  sleighing  till  the  beginning  of 
March,  and  when  at  last  the  snow  fell,  it  afforded  us 
no  advantages.  It  came  in  such  quantities  as  very  soon 
to  take  out  the  frost  beneath  it,  and  at  so  late  a  period 
as  to  be  exposed  to  rapid  melting  from  the  influence  of 
the  sun.  In  the  counties  of  Onondaga  and  Cayugawhere 
most  of  the  materials  were  required,  it  lay  on  the 
ground  for  three  or  four  weeks,  and  was  used  most  of 
that  time,  for  sleighing,  but  to  no  profit.  The  teams 
which  had  been  engaged,  could  then,  very  few  of  them, 
be  had ;  for  nobody  is  willing,  without  strong  necessi- 
ty, to  be  at  the  trouble  and  expense  of  fitting  out  teams 
for  a  few  days  service  of  doubtful  emolument;  and 
spring  snows  are  seldom  durable. — Most  of  the  time 
while  the  sleighing  lasted,  all  the  materials  were  cover- 
ed with  snow,' to  an  inconvenient  depth — no  hard  snow 


(    353     ) 

path  could  be  formed — and  the  road  was,  in  many 
places  mirj.  In  truth,  but  a  small  portion  of  the  mate- 
rials were  delivered  by  sleighing;  and  if  the  following 
season  had  not  been  uncommonly  dry  and  favourable 
to  wheeling,  it  is  probable  that  no  practicable  efforts 
could  yet  have  effected  the  delivery  of  them.  That 
our  stone  structures  might  be  permanent,  we  were  fully 
convinced  of  the  great  importance  of  using  large  stone 
in  their  construction.  Accordingly,  those  which  we 
have  had  delivered,  a  great  portion  of  them  weigh  from 
one  to  three  tons  a  piece,  and  some  of  them  much  more  : 
but  the  expense  of  loading  heavy  stones  into  waggons 
or  rarts  must  always  be  greater  than  that  of  loading 
them  into  sleds. — From  the  combined  effect  of  these 
causes,  the  delivery  of  our  materials  has  cost  as  much 
more  than  we  could  reasonably  have  anticipated. 

V.  To  prepare  the  foundation  of  the  locks  and  ac- 
queducts,  has  been  more  difficult  than  was  expected. 

In  order  to  give  the  same  depth  of  water  over  the 
lock-sills,  which  is  provided  for  elsewhere,  our  manner 
of  securing  the  foundation  requires  that  the  excava- 
tion shall  be  sunk  tw<^feet  below  the  bottom  of  the  ca- 
nal; and  in  digging  for  these  foundations,  in  several 
cases,  where  the  earth  down  to  the  bottom  was  hard 
gravel  or  clay,  we  have  found  it  below  that,  and  within 
the  limits  of  our  excavation,  to  be  quicksand.  In  such 
cases,  we  have  been  compelled  to  fill  the  bottom  w  ith 
bearing  piles.  And  as  these  bottoms  are  about  one 
hundred  and  thirty  feet  long,  by  thirty-six  broad,  this 
operation  has  been  attended  with"  great  labour  and  ex- 
pense. 

At  all  the  places  of  our  principal  acqueducts,  at  the 
locks,  and  at  some  of  the  large  culverts,  the  difficulty 
of  constructing  and  maintaining  coffer  dams,  and  of 
bailing  out  the  water,  in  addition  to  that  of  the  excava- 
tion and  pile-driving,  which  must  necessarily  be  sub- 
ject to  many  contingencies,  has  exceeded  our  calcula- 
tions. 

VI.  Fencing  the  canal  was  not  included  in  the  origi- 

46 


(    354    ) 

nal  estimate  of  the  middle  section  ;  and  yet  we  found 
this  indispensable  to  the  security  of  the  canal,  and 
have  actually  completed  it  on  both  sides,  for  nearly 
the  whole  distance. 

VII.  The  water  proof  lime,  which  has  been  used, 
during  the  past  season,  for  the  most  of  the  mason  work 
done  on  the  canal,  has  contributed  to  swell  our  dis- 
bursements beyond  our  original  estimates.  This  ma- 
terial has  been  discovered  in  the  progress  of  our  exer- 
tions; and  it  will  doubtless  hereafter  be  considered  as 
an  article  of  prime  necessity,  throughout  our  country, 
for  all  hydrauli-c  masonry.  Mixed  with  clean  silicious 
sand  and  water,  and  well  beaten,  it  constitutes  a  mortar 
which  will  soon  set,  and  thoroughly  cement  any  work 
of  stone  or  brick,  in  which  it  is  used,  under  water.  But 
in  the  first  use  of  it  we  have  been  unavoidably  subject- 
ed to  many  expenses  which  henceforth  need  not  be  in- 
curred. We  failed  repeatedly  in  burning,  pulverising 
and  mixing  it;  but  many  trials  have  now  shown  us  the 
way  to  succeed  in  all  these  operations.  And  all  the 
masons  in  our  employ,  though  for  some  time  they  were 
loth  to  use  it  from  an  opinion  which  they  uniformly  en- 
tertained of  its  being  of  no  value,  now  regard  it  as  a 
discovery  of  the  greatest  importance.  It  sets  much 
quicker,  and  becomes  stronger  in  the  air,  than  common 
lime  mortar;  and  under  water,  where  common  mortar 
will  not  set  at  all,  it  begins  to  set  immediately,  and  in 
a  few  weeks  acquires  great  hardness  and  tenacity.  It 
may  be  quarried  with  the  same  labour  as  common  lime- 
stone, and  is  known  to  occur  in  the  greatest  abundance 
in  Madison,  Onondaga,  Cayuga,  Ontario  and  Genesee 
counties;  its  colour  is  a  yellowish  grey,  before  it  is 
burnt,  and  burning  inclines  it  to  a  buff  It  is  softer  than 
common  limestone  and  when  burnt  about  ten  per  cent 
lighter.  It  will  not  slack,  but  must  be  pulverized  by 
pounding  or  grinding,  and  when  reduced  to  powder  its 
bulk  is  not  materially  increased.  The  quantity  of  sand 
mixed  with  it  should  be  about  half  that  of  the  lime  in 
bulk.     From  its  not  swelling,  by   being  pulverized— 


(     355     ) 

from  the  expense  of  grinding  it,  and  from  the  greatly 
diminished  quantity  of  sand  which  it  will  bear,  it  will 
be  at  once  perceived,  that  its  use  will  always  be  attend- 
ed with  greater  expense  than  that  of  common  lime. 
Still  it  may  be  used,  at  a  very  small  proportion  of  the 
cost  of  any  other  material  now  known  to  answer  the 
same  purpose  :  and  as  it  abounds  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
canal,  it  will  probably  soon  supply  a  great  amount  of 
tonnage  for  transportation  by  the  demand  which  will 
arise  for  it,  from  without  this  state. 

Vlll.  Our  efforts  have  been  much  retarded,  and  ren- 
dered more  expensive,  in  completing  the  middle  sec- 
tion, by  sickness.     For  about  thirty-five  miles,  the  ca- 
nal line  runs  at  no  great  distance  from  the  Seneca  river, 
which  in  that  part  of  its  course,   except  at  Jack's  rift, 
is  a  sluggish   stream.     The  waters  of  this   river  flow 
through  a  region  of  the  rankest  vegetable  luxuriance, 
which,  in  the   spring  of  the  year,   they  overspread  to 
the  extent  of  many  thousand   acres  more  than  they  do 
in  the  fall.     In  common  seasons,  the  autumn  brings  with 
it  some  danger  to   the  health  of  the  people  of  this  re- 
gion.    The  excessive  and  long  continued  heat  of  the 
last  season,  subjected  them  to  extensive  and  distressing 
sickness.     Between  the  middle  of  July  and  the  first  of 
October,  about  one  thousand  men,  employed  on  the  ca- 
nal, from   Salina  to  Seneca   river,  were  disabled  from 
labour  by  this  cause.     Most    of  these  men  recovered, 
but  the  houses  in  which  they  were  collected,  for  near 
three  months,  presented  a  most  discouraging  spectacle, 
and  although  great  exertions  were  made  to  supply  the 
place  of  such  labourers  as  became  deseased,  by  fresh 
hands,  in  was  impossible  to  prevent   some  jobs,  from 
being   entirely  abandoned    for  several   weeks.     And 
where  labour  was  never  wholly  intermitted,  it  was  much 
less  efficient  and  the  means  of  it  were  essentially  lessen- 
ed.    The  necessary  effect  of  this  was,  to  protract  the 
entire  execution  of  the  work,  to  a  much  later  period  than 
it  would  otherwise  have  been  extended  to,  and  this  in- 
evitably   increased   the    expense.     I^ate  in  the  season 
there  were  frequent  interruptions  of  labour,  by  slight 


(    356    ) 

fails  of  rain  and  snow.  And  these  interruptions  were 
particularly  injurious,  in  reference  to  m  uch  of  the  ex- 
tra service  done  at  this  period.  When  the  days  had 
become  short,  and  the  earth  was  every  where  covered 
with  mud,  no  resolution  or  ingenuity  could  make  the 
work  advance  rapidly,  in  proportion  to  the  means  em- 
ployed. Every  effort  was  clogged.  The  excavation 
of  ditiicult  places,  which  had  been  left  incomplete, 
was  slow  and  laborious.  And  the  performance  of  all 
those  little  jobs,  that  could  not  be  omitted  in  bestowing 
the  last  finish  upon  the  works  previous  to  their  actual 
use,  was  attended  with  tenfold  difficulty. 

It  would  not  be  reasonable  to  expect,  that  human  fore- 
sight could  exactly  adapt  the  provision  of  materials,  to 
all  the  exigencies  of  works  so  extensive,  various  and  un- 
usual, as  those  of  which  we  had  the  charge,  in  the  first 
contracts.  Some  deficiencies  of  this  kind  were  experien- 
ced, which  it  was  expensive  to  supply  But  the  materi- 
al supplieshave  all  been  made, and  with  theexception  of 
a  little  lead,  with  which  the  iron  cramps  in  some  of  the 
stone  work  remain  to  be  secured, — the  coping  of  the 
Owasco  creek  aqueduct, — some  labour  required  upon 
the  feeder  from  Butternutt-creek, — and  two  small  em- 
baiikraents  on  the  south  side  of  the  canal,  which  have 
not  heretofore  been  constructed,  only  because  they 
were  not  decided  to  be  necessary,  until  after  water  was 
admitted  into  the  canal,  the  whole  of  the  middle  section 
has  been  completed.  The  expense  of  all  these  opera- 
tions cannot  probably  exceed  three  thousand  dollars, 
and  they  will  not  obstruct  the  navigation,while  they  are 
going  on.  , 

The  side  cut  out  at  Salina,  is  one  mile  and  forty- 
three  chainsin  length,  and  it  was  estimated,  as  is  sta- 
ted in  our  report  of  last  winter, ,  to  cost  $(3000.  It 
has  been  entirely  completed  with  great  fidelity  and 
beauty,  -at  an  expense  of  ;^6041  06  ;  and  being  added 
to  the  middle  section,  which  is  near  ninety-four  and  a 
half  miles  long,  we  have  an  extent  of  96  miles  of  artifi- 
cial navigation,  commenced  and  completed  since  the 
4th  of  .July,  18 17,  at  an  average  expense,  per  mile, 
including  every  thing,  of  $11792. 


(    357    ) 

In  a  canal  of  such  length,  passingthrough  so  great  a 
variety  of  soils,  and  over  such  numerous  streams  which 
afford  the  only  possible  channels  through  which  seve- 
ral considerable  lakes,  innumerable  springs,  and  a  very 
extensive  land  drain,  will  necessarily  discharge  their 
waters;  and  which  are  yet,  from  the  extent  of  unclear- 
ed land  adjacent  to  them,  subject  to  great  obstructions 
from  an  accumulation  of  float-wood,  and  of  course, 
wherever  these  obstructions  take  place,  to  the  pressure 
of  a  heavy  head  of  water  above  them,  and  a  currrent 
of  proportionate  violence  below,  it  will  not  be  pru- 
dent to  calculate' upon  entire  exemption  fr.om  injurious 
casual  ties.  A  breach  has  been  effected,  and  is  now 
open,  in  the  north  bank  of  the  canal,  at  the  Oriskany, 
which  it  will  take  a  fortnight  in  the  spring  to  repair. 
Other  breaches  may  be  expected,  though  we  have 
spared  no  labour  in  our  power,  which  we  deemed  ne- 
cessary, to  provide  against  them.  And  in  addition  to 
the  security  which  the  whole  line  derives  from  the  man- 
ner iii  which  it  is  constructed  and  guarded,  we  have  di- 
vided it  into  five  sections,  and  assigned  to  each  an  ex- 
perienced and  vigilant  superintendent,  whose  duty  it 
is  constantly  to  watch  for  its  safe  keeping,  and  when- 
ever danger  threatens  it  of  any  kind,  to  use  his  utmost 
means  to  ward  it  off 

The  canal  commissioners,  during  the  past  season, 
have  limited  their  disbursements  for  all  labour  in  the 
actual  construction  of  the  canal,  to  the  middle  section. 
But  they  have  employed  exploring  parties,  on  both 
the  w^estern  and  eastern  sections.  Between  the  Sene- 
ca and  Genesee  rivers.  Canvass  White,  Esq.  as  engi- 
neer, has  had  the  charge  of  a  party,  which  has  been  en- 
gaged for  several  months  in  levelling  over  and  survey- 
ing different  routes  for  the  canal  line.  These  labours 
lie  has  performed  much  to  our  satisfaction,  and  having 
presented  a  view  of  them  to  a  meeting  of  our  board, 
held  in  October  last  at  Utica,  we  thereupon  decided 
in  favour  of  the  route  originally  explored  between 
those  rivers,  in  the  year  1816  :  and  a  part  of  this  route 
having  first  been  definitively  located,the  acting  commis- 


(     358    )  '  i 


sioners,  under  the  authority  of  a  resolution  of  the 
board,proceeded  to  enterinto  contracts  for  the  construc- 
tion of  the  canal,  through  about  twenty  miles  thereof 
That  portion  of  the  line  which  is  let  out,  extends  from 
the  east  bank  of  the  Genesee  river  to  the  town  of  Pal- 
myra, from  which  to  Seneca  river,  we  hope  early  in  the 
approaching  season,  to  place  the  whole  line  under  con- 
tract. The  zeal  for  engaging  in  this  work  has  suffered 
no  abatement ;  many  of  the  old  contractors,  and  other 
persons  of  enterprise  and  responsibility,  have  entered 
into  agreements  with  us ;  and  very  many  respectable 
applications  are  yet  ungratified.  The  terms  of  these 
new  contracts  are  at  least  as  favourable  to  the  state  as 
any  heretofore  obtained  :  and  one  of  them  requires 
that  the  whole  work  shall  be  completed  by  the  first  of 
September,  J  821.  These  contracts  are  dated  in  Decem- 
ber last,  and  several  of  them  are  now  in  the  process  of 
vigorous  execution. 

From  the  Genesee  river  to  the  Seneca,  at  the  west- 
ern termination  of  the  middle  section,  there  is  a  fall  of 
near  i  30  feet ;  and  as  every  part  of  a  canal  line  may 
be  better  located  in  descending  than  in  ascending  a 
country  it  was  deemed  expedient  to  commence  this 
operation,  and  the  construction  of  the  western  section, 
at  the  Genesee  river.  This  expediency  was  rendered 
more  obvious  by  the  consideration,  that  the  place  of 
crossing  that  stream,  and  the  canal  level  there,  admit, 
of  but  little  variation. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  canal  commissioners  above 
alluded  to,  it  was  resolved,  that  while  about  63  miles  of 
the  western  section  should  be  put  in  the  course  of  con- 
struction, 2(3  miles  of  the  eastern  section  also  should  be 
placed  under  contract.  This  distance  extends  from 
Utica  to  the  foot  of  the  Little  Falls  of  the  Mohawk 
river,em  bracing  the  most  difficult  places  on  that  section, 
above  the  Schoharie  creek.  Eight  miles  of  it  will  be 
made  in  continuation  of  the  Rome  level,  which  before 
exceeded  fifty-eight  miles  in  length;  and  these  eight 
miles  have  been  contracted  for  at  reasonable  prices,  by 
good  men,  some  of  whom  are  now  at  work  upon  them. 


.(    359    ) 

Valentine  Gill,  Esq.  has  been  employed  as  engineer, 
with  the  necessary  assistants,  to  explore  the  country,  in 
reference  to  the  best  establishment  of  the  canal  line, 
from  Gannet's  mill  pond  in  Pahnyra,  with  which  the 
old  level  was  connected,  westerly  to  the  Genesee  river, 
at  a  point  about  twelve  miles  south  of  Rochester,  and 
thence  westerly  to  Buffalo  creek.  The  easterly  part 
of  Mr.  Gill's  line  has  been  rejected,  in  favor  of  the  more 
northerly  route  ;  but  he  thinks  that  a  line  from  Roches- 
ter may  be  run  southwesterly,  so  as  to  intersect  with 
his  line  west  of  the  Genesee  river,  and  from  the  point 
of  intersection  be  carried  through  the  counties  of 
Genesee  and  Niagara,  to  a  junction  with  the  waters  of 
Lake  Erie,  south  of  the  village  of  Buffalo.  The  great 
objection  to  a  southern  route,  through  the  Holland  pur- 
chase, is  the  fear  of  a  deficiency  of  water  to  supply  it, 
as  such  a  route  must  necessarily  be  carried  far  above 
the  level  of  Lake  Erie,  Mr.  Gill's  summit  level  is  about 
94  feet  above  Lake  Erie,  but  he  is  of  opinion,  that  it 
may  be  extended  more  than  forty  miles, so  as  to  embrace 
the  waters  of  Wescoy,  of  Allen's,  of  Tonnewanta,  of 
Elicott's,  and  of  Little  Buffalo  creeks,  which  he  thinks 
in  the  driest  season,  would  furnish  a  copious  supply. 
In  a  country  so  new,  and  of  which  a  great  part  is  still 
covered  by  standing  timber,  the  interests  of  the  canal 
require,  that  great  precaution  should  be  taken  in  the 
definitive  establishment  of  the  canal  line.  It  will  be 
proper  that  other  examinations  should  be  prosecuted 
through  the  country  west  of  the  Genesee  river,  previous- 
ly to  a  final  decision  of  the  route.  The  maps  and  repot 
of  Mr.  Gill  are  herewith  presented. 

In  discharge  of  that  part  of  their  duty  which  relates 
to  the  harbour  of  Buffalo,  the  canal  commissioners 
employed  David  Thomas,  of  Cayuga  county,  to  make 
the  necessary  surveys,  and  report  to  them  the  result. 
This  service  has  been  faithfully  rendered,  and  the 
practicability  of  the  construction  of  a  harbor  there,  at 
a  moderate  expense,  seems  to  be  sufficiently  established 
The  report  of  Mr.  Thomas,  together  with  his  map  and 
estimates  of  expense,  is  herewith  presented.     Whether 


(     360    ) 

such  a  harbour,  when  it  is  constructed,  should  be  paid 
for  out  of  the  canal  fund,it  appears  to  us  that  it  would  be 
premature  to  determine,  before  the  route  and  termina- 
tion of  the  canal  is  definitively  settled  in  that  neighbour- 
hood :  and  we  do  not  consider  the  surveys  which  have 
yet  been  made,  as  affording  all  the  information  which  is 
desirable  in  order  to  such  settlement. 

At  an  early  day  of  the  last  season,  it  was  feared,  that 
the  amount  of  money  subject  to  our  order,  might  not  be 
more  than  sufficient  to  complete  the  middle  section  of 
the  Erie  Canal,  and  that  part  of  the  Champlain  Canal 
which  had  been  commenced.  Hence  we  determined 
to  confine  our  expenditure  to  these  parts  of  the  canals, 
except  as  to  such  sums  as  might  be  requisite  to  fit  out 
and  pay  the  necessary  exploring  parties.  Such  parties^ 
the  legislature  bound  us  to  provide,  for  the  examination 
of  BuflTalo  harbour  and  the  Oswego  river.  And  if  the 
canals  were  to  be  continued,  it  was  obviously  necessary 
that  a  part  of  their  routes  should  be  fixed  beyond  the 
limits  contracted  for,  before  those  limits  should  be 
entirely  completed.  For,  otherwise,  a  whole  season 
would  have  been  lost  to  these  undertakings,  in  the 
course  of  which  the  public  property  connected  with 
them  would  have  been  wasting,  the  most  experienced 
and  efficient  contractors  would  have  sustained  great 
loss,  in  tools  and  other  preparations  made  with  a  view 
to  their  continued  engagements  on  the  canals,  and  they 
must  have  betaken  themselves  to  other  employments. 
These  results,  and  others  equally  pernicious,  would 
have  been  inevitable.  The  total  amount  of  disburse- 
ments for  exploring  parties  last  year,  is  ^8,400. 

But  the  unforeseen  causes  of,  expense  heretofore 
indicated  as  unavoidably  connected  with  bringing  all 
our  contracts  to  a  close,  have  greatly  exceeded  our  ex- 
pectation ;  and  we  have  been  compelled  to  anticipate 
^122,500  of  the  funds  of  the  present  year. 

Our  contracts  upon  the  middle  section  were  all  to 
have  been  fully  performed  by  the  first  of  October  last, 
and  as  soon  as  they  were  performed,  all  the  monies 
eai-ned  upon  them  became  due.     If  these  sums  had 


(     361      ) 

not  been  paid,  every  contractor  would  have  been  ruin- 
ed ;  and  anxious  as  w^e  were,  from  the  most  pressing 
considerations ;  that  of  safety  to  the  canal,  which  incom- 
plete, would  have  been  much  more  exposed  to  injury 
from  the  frosts  of  the  winter  and  the  floods  of  the  spring; 
that  of  economy  to  the  contractors,  who  could  uol  be 
expected  to  quit  their  work  when  they  had  nearly  ac- 
complished it,  and  afterwards  return  to  it  at  great  ex- 
pense, because  our  disbursements  were  likely  to  exceed 
our  estimates  :  and  that  of  duty  to  the  public,  who  have 
a  paramount  interest  in  having  the  canal  navigable  as 
soon  as  possible,  in  order  that  it  may  speedily  produce 
profitable  returns,  we  could  not  hesitate  to  incur  the 
responsibility  of  such  anticipation.  The  money  was 
borrowed  at  six  per  cent  interest,  and  on  the  fifth  of 
January  last,  certificaes  of  stock  were  issued  by  the 
commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  to  cover  it.  The  in- 
terest of  this  money,  from  the  time  of  its  being  loaned 
up  to  the  time  of  issuing  the  stock,  amounts  to  ;$]775  03 
which  sum  we  solicit  your  honourable  body  to  author- 
ize the  comptroller  to  place  to  our  credit,  as  w^have 
paid  it  for  the  reasons  above  stated. 

Deduct  $122,500  with  the  interest  on  loans  of  the 
preceding  and  present  years,  from  $600,000,  the  amount 
of  the  permanent  legislative  appropriation,  and  it  will 
be  seen  that  little  more  than  1^400,000,  will  remain 
applicable  to  the  construction  of  the  canals  for  the 
ensuing  season. 

From  this  sum  a  further  deduction,  which  may  be 
considerable,  but  of  which  the  amount  is  yet  unascer- 
tained, must  be  made  for  the  purchase  of  the  rights  of  the 
Western  Inland  Lock  Navigation  Company,  with  whose 
works  we  shall  so  interfere  at  Wood  Creek,  whenever 
we  fill  our  canal,  as  to  render  such  purchase  expedient. 

After  these  deductions,  we  think  the  money  remain- 
ing subject  to  our  control,  will  not  be  adequate  to  the 
due  prosecution  of  the  canals.  We  therefore  recom- 
mend, that  so  soon  as  the  amount  of  money  to  be  paid 
to  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Navigation  Company  shall 
be  ascertained,  according  to  law,   it  shall  be  paid  by 

47 


(     362    ) 

the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  in  certificates  of 
stock,  to  be  issued  by  them  for  that  purpose,  and  bear- 
ing an  interest  of  fiive  per  cent.  And  we  furthur  recom- 
mend, that  there  be  appropriated  to  the  canals,  by  law 
for  the  present  year,  in  order  to  supply  the  deficiency 
of  funds  occasioned  by  the  anticipation  aforesaid,  and 
in  addition  to  the  amount  of  stock  last  above  mention- 
ed, the  sum  of  ^122,500,  over  and  above  the  sums  now 
appropriated  to  them. 

As  fast  as  the  canals  are  rendered  navigable,  they 
will  be  liable  to  injuries  of  various  kinds.  The  banks 
may  be  broken,  the  fences  may  be  thrown  down,  the 
waste-gates  may  be  opened  or  shut  improperly,  the 
passage  may  be  obstructed,  and  all  the  works  may  be 
defaced,  and  many  of  them  essentially  impaired,  both 
by  carelessness  and  by  malice.  We  therefore  recom- 
mend the  passage  of  a  law,  imposing  suitable  penalties, 
for  every  injury  to  which  they  may  be  exposed. 

The  experiments  that  have  been  attempted  at  naviga- 
tion on  our  canals,  have  been  entirely  satisfactory  to 
every  witness  of  them.  The  novelty  of  seeing  large 
boats  drawn  by  horses,  upon  waters  artificially  conduct- 
ed— through  cultivated  fields,  forests  and  swamps,  over 
ravines,  creeks  and  morasses,  and  from  one  elevation  to 
another,  by  means  of  ample,  beautiful,  and  substantial 
locks,  has  been  eminently  exhilarating.  The  precision 
of  the  levels,  the  solidity  of  the  banks,  the  regularity 
of  the  curves,  the  symmetry  of  the  numerous  and  mas- 
sive stone  works,  the  depth  of  the  excavation  in  some 
places,  the  extent  of  the  embankments  in  others,  and 
the  impression  produced  every  where  along  the  line,  by 
the  visible  eflfects  of  immense  labour,  have  uniformly 
afforded  gratification  mingled  with  surprise.  The  ease 
with  which  the  canals  may  be  approached,  and  the 
facility  of  transportation  on  their  waters,  will  recom- 
mend them  to  immediate  and  extensive  use.  And 
every  result  hitherto  ascertained  experimentally,  in 
relation  to  them,  fully  justifies  the  favour  with  which 
preceding  legislatures  have  regarded  them,  and  exhi- 


(     363     ) 

bits  the  most  perfect  and  irrisistible  claims  to  the  stea= 
dj  and  liberal  patronage  of  your  honourable  body. 

In  reference  to  the  Champlain  Canal — 

During  the  last  season  the  works  on  the  Champlain 
canal  have  been  prosecuted  with  zeal  and  activity,  by 
the  several  contractors  to  whom  they  were  committed. 
The  locks,  the  waste-weirs,the  culverts,  and  the  remain- 
ing parts  of  the  excavation  and  embankment,  have 
been  so  far  completed  as  to  render  the  canal  fit  for 
navigation. — On  admitting  the  water  in  December  last, 
it  was  ascertained  that  both  levels  are  perfectly  correct. 

Owing  to  a  deficiency  of  funds,  the  canal  has  not 
been  fenced,  and  this,  it  is  believed,  is  the  most  expen- 
sive part  of  the  work  which  remains  to  be  done.  A 
towing  path  along  the  margin  ofWood  Creek  is  to  be 
constructed.  There  are  two  places  in  the  vicinity  of. 
the  village  of  Fort  Ann,  where  the  canal  passes  on  the 
slope  of  a  clay  hill,  and  where  the  earth  below  the 
canal  showed  a  disposition  to  slip  after  the  canal  was 
filled  with  water.  Measures  were  immediately  taken 
to  secure  those  slips,  but  the  work  was  arrested  by  the 
frost  before  it  was  completed,  and  it  will  be  necessary 
to  finish  it  as  early  in  the  spring  as  practicable.  The 
banks  of  the  canal  admit  but  very  little  water  to  escape 
through  them ;  and  it  is  believed  that  the  solidity  and 
compactness  which  they  will  have  acquired  in  another 
season,  will  render  them  impervious  to  water.  The 
supply  of  water  on  the  summit  level  has  answered  the 
expectations  which  had  formerly  been  indulged,  and  it 
is  believed,  that  with  ordinary  seasons,  a  feeder  will  not 
be  wanted  in  many  years.  Although  the  market  at  the 
present  time  is  unfavourable  for  the  lumbering  business, 
yet  from  the  best  information  which  can  be  obtained,  it 
is  expected,  in  case  no  accident  should  happen  to  the 
canal,  that  nearly  half  a  million  of  boards  and  plank 
will  be  passed  through  it  the  ensuing  season. 

In  the  report  of  the  18th  March,  1817,  the  construc- 
tion of  the  canal,  from  the  lake  to  the  Hudsop,  was 


(    364    ) 

estimated  to  cost  ^250,000.  This  estimate  was  made 
on  the  supposition,  that  the  canal  should  be  "  thirty  feet 
wide  at  the  surface,  twenty  feet  at  the  bottom,  and  three 
feet  deep ;  and  the  locks  to  be  seventy-five  feet  long, 
and  ten  feet  wide  in  the  clear."  Since  •  that  period, 
for  reasons  which  are  assigned  in  the  report  of  the  3 1st 
January,  1818,  the  canal  commissioners  determined  to 
enlarge  the  dimensions  of  the  canal,  so  that  it  should 
be  forty-feet  wide  at  the  surface,  twenty-eight  at  the 
bottom,  and  four  feet  deep ;  and  the  locks  to  be  ninety 
feet  long,  and  fourteen  feet  wide  in  the  clear.  This 
enlargement  of  the  works  added  about  one  third  to  the 
cost  of  construction,  and  the  original  estiniate  increased 
by  the  same  ratio,  would  be  ^333,000. 

There  has  been  paid  already,  towards  the  construc- 
tion of  the  works,  ^232,268  86,  and  on  account  of  ap- 
praisements which  were  not  included  in  the  original 
estimates,  the  sum  of  ^33,876  49.  The  additional 
expense  of  fencing  the  canal  and  finishing  all  the  works, 
will  not,  it  is  believed,  exceed  ^25,000,  or  ^30,000,  so 
that  this  section  of  the  canal  will  be  constructed  for 
1255,000,  or  $260,000,  a  diminution  from  the  estimate 
of  more  than  twenty-eight  per  cent. 

In  order  to  prevent  any  unjust  impression  from  being 
made  by  the  preceding  statement,  as  to  the  compara- 
tive economy  with  which  the  middle  section  of  the  Erie 
canal  has  been  constructed,  it  ought  here  to  be  obser- 
ved, that  when  the  original  estimate  of  the  expense  of 
opening  the  Champlain  canal  was  made,  there  were  no 
such  data  of  minute  calculation  before  the  conimission- 
ers,  as  were  furnished  on  the  middle  section  of  the 
Erie  canal.  From  Utica  to  the  Seneca  river,  the 
aggregate  expense  was  made  up  of  a  separate  valuation 
of  the  cost  of  every  mile,  that  is,  there  was  a  distinct 
estimate  for  every  mile  of  the  grubbing  and  clearing,  of 
the  number  of  cubic  yards  of  excavation,  and  of  em- 
bankment, with  the  price  per  yard  of  each,  and  of  the 
bridges,  culverts,  aqueducts  and  locks,  wherever  they 
were  deemed  necessary.  While  on  the  Champlain 
canal  it  was  necessarily  otherwise  from  the  character 


■■fj^i' 


(     365     ) 

of  the  returns  made  by  the  engineer,  Col.  Garin.  These 
returns  did  not  enable  us  accurately  to  calculate  the 
qus.ntity  of  excavation  or  embankment,  the  number  of 
aqueducts,  culverts,  waste-weirs  or  bridges. 

DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
STEPHEN  VAN[  RENSSELAER, 
SAMUEL  YOUNG, 
MYRON  HOLLEY, 
HENRY  SEYMOUR. 
Jllbany,  I8th  Feb.  1820. 


The  joint  committee  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly^  on  so  much 
of  the  speech  of  his  Excellency  the  Governor  as  relates  to 
the  internal  improvements  of  the  state,  to  whom  was  refer- 
red the  annual  report  of  the  Canal  Commissioners, 

Report  in  part — 

The  actual  construction  of  those  great  monuments 
of  the  enterprise  and  munificence  of  the  state,  the  great 
Western  and  Northern  canals,  is  now  viewed  by  the 
committee  as  no  longer  a  question  of  unsettled  policy : 
and  the  completion  of  them  with  all  practicable  speed, 
is  a  measure  which,  upon  deep  consideration,  sedulous 
inquiry  and  cautious  calculation,  has  been  already  re- 
solved upon  by  the  deliberate  acts  of  the  Legislature, 
and  sanctioned  by  the  approving  and  general  voice  of 
an  intelligent  and  reflecting  people.  In  this  view  of 
the  subject,  the  committee  apprehend  that  it  would  be 
both  unnecessary  and  unseasonable  to  occupy  the  time 
of  the  Legislature  with  any  further  exposition  of  the 
various  considerations  which  have  influenced  the  po- 
licy of  that  expansive  system  of  internal  improvement, 
which  was  entered  upon  by  our  predecessors,  under 
a  full  conviction  of  the  magnitude  of  the  undertaking, 
and  of  the  high  responsibilities  which  it  imposed  upon 
its  projectors  and  advisers. 


(     366    ) 

At  a  time  when  the  general  poUcy  of  this  system  was 
a  question  undecided,  and  its  practicabiHty  by  such 
means  as  were  within  the  abihty  of  the  state  to  bestow, 
rested,  in  a  good  measure,  upon  the  basis  of  theory  and 
the  deductions  of  calculation,  it  was  proper  to  enlighten 
and  arouse  the  public  sentiment  to  a  just  estimate  of 
its  immense  importance  to  the  best  interests  of  the  state, 
as  well  as  of  the  capacity  of  the  state  to  accomplish, 
completely,  the  great  object  proposed.  This  has  al- 
ready been  done,  by  the  repeated  exhibition  of  such 
general  views,  facts  and  estimates,  as  have  had  a  happy 
tendency  to  allay  the  hostility  of  the  prejudiced,  cor- 
rect the  misconceptions  of  the  uninformed,  and  invigo- 
rate the  resolution  of  the  timid.  The  time  when  such 
a  course  was  necessary,  it  is  presumed,  has  now  pass- 
ed. By  the  successful  operations  of  the  two  past 
years,  the  doubtfulness  of  theory  is  now  superseded 
by  the  surer  test  of  practice,  and  the  uncertain  deduc- 
tions of  calculation  are  verified  by  the  actual  touch- 
stone of  experiment. 

Referring,  therefore,  for  those  general  views  of  pub- 
lic policy  by  which  the  public  councils  of  the  state 
have  heretofore  been  governed  on  this  subject,  to  those 
various  public  documents  now  on  the  fies  of  the  legis- 
lature, which  have  thrown  upon  it  all  the  light  which 
practical  science  and  the  experience  of  other  countries 
have  brought  to  our  aid,  in  the  prosecution  of  so  great 
and  meritorious  an  enterprise, — the  committee  con- 
ceived that  they  should  the  best  perform  the  duties 
which  were  expected  of  them,  by  directing  their  inqui- 
ries into  the  manner  in  which  the  responsible  trusts 
confided  to  the  canal  commissioners  had  been  per- 
formed, and  to  ascertain  the  extent  and  celerity  with 
which,  for  ensuing  years,  it  would  (consistent  \vith  that 
prudent  policy  which  has  hitherto  marked  the  mea- 
sures of  the  Legislature  on  this  subject)  be  prudent  to 
recommend,  at  this  time,  the  further  prosecution  of 
these  important  works. 

The  committee  are  happy  in  being  able  to  say,  that 

the  result,  in  relation  to  both  branches  of  this  inquiry, 

c 


(      367  ) 

has  been  highly  satisfactory  as  to  the  past,  and  eminent- 
ly encouraging  to  future  efforts  and  operations.  The 
reports  of  the  Commissioners,  for  the  past  and  present 
years,  furnish  ample  evidence  of  two  important  facts — 
that  the  progress  made  within  those  years  towards  the 
completion  of  these  works,  has,  thus  far,  exceeded  the 
expectations  which,  at  their  commencement,  had  been 
encouraged  by  the  most  ardent  of  their  patrons  and  pro- 
jectors, and  at  an  expense  not  exceeding  the  estimates 
upon  which  they  had  been  predicated,  for  the  particular 
details  which  go  to  justify  these  conclusions,  the  commit- 
tee beg  leave  to  refer  to  those  reports,  which  at  the  same 
time,  in  a  very  lucid  and  practical  manner,  furnish  a 
full  and  plain  exposition  of  the  whole  course  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Commissioners  in  the  execution  of  the 
work.  From  these  also  it  appears,  that  within  the  pe- 
riod and  the  estimates  above  mentioned,  about  two 
thirds  of  the  expense  of  completing  the  whole  middle 
section  of  the  Western  Canal,  ninety-four  miles  in 
length,  has  been  already  provided  and  paid  for;  and 
that  with  the  advantages  of  a  favourable  season  for 
operations,  the  whole  of  that  section  will,  in  all  proba- 
bility, be  in  a  state  capable  of  boat  navigation,  in  the 
course  of  the  ensuing  year. 

Within  the  same  time,  the  excavation  of  more  than 
twelve  miles  of  the  Northern  Canal,  has  also  been  com- 
pleted and  paid  for,  and  that  of  the  residue  brought  to 
a  state  w^hich  may  be  completed  within  two  or  three 
months;  and  the  forwardness  of  the  other  artificial 
works  is  such,  that  its  navigation  from  Lake  Champlain 
to  the  Hudson,  may  reasonably  be  calculated  upon  also 
in  the  course  of  the  ensuing  season. 

Viewing,  then,  the  entire  completion  of  the  whole 
line  of  the  canals  from  Lake  Erie  to  the  Hudson,  and 
from  Lake  Champlain  to  the  navigable  waters  of  the 
same  river,  as  measures  entering  into  the  policy  which 
dictated  the  commencement  'of  them, — as  rapidly  as 
should  be  found  compatible  with  the  resources  of  the 
state,  and  as  soon  as  should  be  fully  ascertained  to  be 
practicable  within  the  means  which  had  been  originally 


(    368    ) 

contemplated;  and  considering  also  the  experiment 
which  has  now  been  made,  as  a  satisfactory  test,  by 
which  future  and  more  extensive  operations  may  fairly 
and  safely  be*  judged — the  committee  have  no  hesita- 
tion, in  accordance  with  the  opinion  of  the  Commission- 
ers, and  for  the  reasons  stated  by  them,  in  recommend- 

1st.  That  provision  be  immediately  made,  by  law,  for 
the  entire  completion  of  the  west  section  of  the  Erie 
canal,  and  for  the  construction  of  the  Champlain 
canal,  from  Fort  Edward  to  the  tide  waters  of  the 
Hudson. 
2d.  That  like  provisions  be  made  for  opening  a  lateral 
canal,  from  the  main  Erie  canal  to  the  salt  works  at 
Salina. 
3d.  That  all  persons  actually  engaged  in  working  on 
the  canal,  be  excused  from  the  performance  of  militia 
duty. 

With  a  view  to  obtain  all  such  further  information, 
as  the  practical  experience  of  the  canal  commissioners 
might  enable  them  to  communicate,  in  relation  to  the 
appropriations  necessary  to  carry  the  measures  hereby 
recommended  into"  effect,  the  committee  addressed  to 
them  the  inquiries,  and  received  the  replies,  which  are 
hereto  subjoined. 

By  order  of  the  Committee. 

E.  BACON,  Chairman. 


To  the  Canal  Commissioners. 

Gentlemen, 

The  joint  committee  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly, 
to  whom  was  referred  so  much  of  the  speech  of  his  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor,  as  relates  to  the  internal  im- 
provements of  the  state,  bave  directed  me  to  request 
of  you  such  information  as  it  may  be  in  your  power  to 
communicate  to  them,  on  the  following  points  : 
1st.  Whether  any,  and  what  amount  of  funds,  in  addi- 
tion to  those  already  provided  for,  it  may  be  deemed 


(    369    ) 

necessary  to  provide,  for  the  purpose  of  completing 
the  entire  Erie  canal,  and  that  from  Lake  Champlain 
to  the  tide  waters  of  the  Hudson,  and  what  amount 
may,  in  their  judgment,  be  advantageously  and  pro- 
fitably expended  thereon  annually. 

2d.  Should  it  be  thought  expedient,  by  the  legislature, 
to  proceed  immediately  to  the  completion  of  only 
one  additional  section  of  the  Erie  canal,  which  of 
those  sections  would  it  be  recommended  first  to  un- 
dertake ? 

3.  In  the  event  last  mentioned,  what  additional  funds, 
if  any,  may  it  be  necessary  to  provide  for,  and  what 
amount  may  be  advantageously  and  profitably  ex- 
pended on  that  section,  the  middle  section,  and  on 
the  entire  route  of  the  canal,  from  Lake  Champlain  to 
the  tide  waters  of  the  Hudson,  annually  ? 

4th.  Should  it  be  thought  expedient  by  the  legislature, 
to  proceed  immediately  to  the  completion  of  the 
middle  section  only  of  the  Erie  canal,  and  of  the  en- 
tire canal  from  Lake  Champlain  to  the  tide  waters  of 
Hudson,  what  additional  funds,  if  any,  may  in  that 
event  be  necessary  to  provide  for ;  and  what  amount 
may  be  advantageously  and  profitably  expended  on 
those  objects  annually  ? 

5th.  What  progress  (if  any)  has  been  made  in  the  as- 
sessments upon  lands,  which  are  provided  for  by  the 
7th  section  of  the  act  "respecting  navigable  com- 
munications between  the  great  western  and  northern 
lakes  and  the  Atlantic  Ocean  .^"  and  what  are  the 
difficulties  (if  any)  which  exist  in  carrying  the  pow- 
ers thereby  granted  into  effect  ? 

6th.  A  suggestion  of  all  such  legislative  provisions  as 
are  thought  necessary  by  the  commissionBrs,  to  ena- 
ble them  to  carry  into  effect  such  of  the  foregoing 
objects  as  may  be  thought  expedient,  and  generally 
all  such  further  information,  touching  these  subjects, 
as  it  may  be  thought  useful  to  communicate. 
By  order  of  the  committee. 

E.  BACON,   Chairman. 
Albany.  1 2th  February^  1819. 

4« 


(    370   ) 
Reply  of  the  Canal  Commissioners. 

To  the  joint  committee  of  the  Assembly  and  Senate^  to  whom 

was  referred  so  much  of  the  Speech  of  his  Excellency  the 
Governor,as  relates  to  the  internal  improvement  of  the  Stale. 
Gentlemen, 

In  answer  to  the  queries  submitted,  by  you,  to  the 
canal  commissioners,  we  would  state — 1st.  That  the 
amount  which  could  be  profitably  expended  in  any  one 
year,  would  depend  almost  entirely  on  the  character  of 
the  season  :  for  example,  had  the  construction  of  the 
canals  been  authorized, and  the  lines  accurately  located 
previous  to  the  year  1816,  it  is  believed  that  seven  or 
eight  hundred  thousand  dollars  might  have  been  pro- 
fitably expended,  during  such  a  year;  whereas,  the  al- 
most continual  rains  of  1817  would  have  prevented  the 
economical  expenditure  of  one  half  that  sum. 

Should  the  completion  of  the  whole  of  both  canals 
be  authorized  by  the  legislature,  it  would  probably  be 
prudent  to  authorize  the  expenditure  of  a  sum  not  ex- 
ceeding six  hundred  thousand  dollars,  in  any  one  year, 
over  and  above  the  nett  avails  of  the  canal  fund  ;  be- 
cause in  a  very  favourable  season,  that  amount  might 
be  required  ;  and  every  exertion  should  be  used  to  ad- 
vance the  work,  during  such  a  season,  as  far  as  possible: 
for  the  excavation  of  ordinary  earth,  when  saturated 
with  water,  is  tedious  and  expensive,  and  in  swampy 
grounds  where  there  is  difficulty  in  draining,  it  may,  in 
many  instances,  be  accomplished  fifty  per  cent,  cheaper 
in  a  very  dry,  than  in  a  very  wet  season ;  and  in  pre- 
paring and  laying  the  foundatioa  of  locks,  aqueducts, 
&c.  in  the  beds  of  streams,  continual  freshets  would 
produce  still  greater  sacrifices. 

2.  The  Commissioners  have  no  hesitation  in  saying, 
that  the  western  section  should  be  first  completed. 

By  a  reference  to  the  former  estimates  of  the  Com- 
missioners, it  will  be  perceived  that  it  was  calculated 
that  the  Erie  Canal  from  Utica  to  Albany,  ninety-eight 
miles,  (and  less  than  one-third  of  the  whole  distance) 
would  cost  ;8!2,036,177 — whereas,  from  Utica  to  Lake 


(    371  ) 

Erie,  254  miles,  the  estimated  cost  was  only  $2,845,561, 
It  is  obvious  then,  that  the  eastern  is  the  most  difficult, 
and  most  expensive  section  of  the  Erie  Canal ;  and  it  is 
equally  apparent,  that  these  difficulties  and  expenses 
will  be  more  easily  overcome  and  obviated,  by  the  ac- 
cumulated and  matured  experience  which  will  have 
been  acquired  by  the  Commissioners  and  Contractors, 
in  the  previous  execution  of  the  more  easy  parts  of  the 
canal.  The  Mohawk  river  furnishes  at  present  a  par- 
tial navigation,  the  descending  trade  on  which  is  much 
less  expensive  than  on  land.  A  canal  by  the  side  of  the 
Mohawk  will,  therefore,  not  only  cost  much  more  than 
an  equal  distance  on  the  western  section,  but  its  imme- 
diate beneficial  effects  will  be  much  less  sensibly  felt, 
because  every  mile  of  canal  which  is  made  from  the 
Seneca  river  west,  draws  from  the  surrounding  country 
an  increase  of  trade,  which  not  only  passes  over  that 
mile,  but  also  through  the  whole  extent  of  the  middle 
section,  yielding  thereby  an  accumulation  of  revenue 
to  the  state  from  the  works  already  made. 

The  sooner  the  canal  is  extended  from  the  Seneca 
river  to  Lake  Erie,  the  sooner  will  those  commercial 
connexions,  which  have  been  or  are  about  to  be  formed, 
between  our  western  citizens  and  Montreal,  be  destroy- 
ed, or  prevented ;  the  sooner  will  the  western  forests 
be  cleared  and  cultivated  by  an  enterprising  popula- 
tion, and  the  sooner  will  the  full  tide  of  western  com- 
merce set  towards  the  commercial  metropolis  of  the 
state. 

3d.  It  would  not  lessen  the  expenditures  but  little, 
were  the  eastern  section  omitted ;  because,  were  the 
whole  authorized,  the  commissioners  would  not  be  able 
immediately  to  spread  their  exertions  through  the 
whole  line  ;  they  would  probably  not  do  much  more  on 
the  eastern  section,  at  present,than  carefully  to  re-survey 
and  re-examine  all  its  difficulties,  with  a  view  to  under- 
stand, as  far  as  possible,  the  most  practicable  and 
economical  mode  of  construction. 

4th.  It  might  lessen  the  expenditure  of  next  season 
about  ^200,000,  because  most  of  the   contractors  will 


(     372      ) 

have  finished  their  jobs  of  excavation  by  the  middle  of 
August  next;  and  unless  another  section  is  authorized, 
they  will  be  out  of  the  employment  of  the  state  about 
one  half  the  season. 

5th.  No  progress  has  been  made  by  the  commis- 
sioners, to  lay  the  assessment  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  dollars,  authorized  by  the  seventh  section  of 
the  act,  entitled,  "  an  act  respecting  navigable  com- 
municati^^ns  between  the  great  western  and  northern 
lakes  and  the  Atlantic  ocean."  No  time  is  mentioned 
in  the  act,  when  this  assessment  is  to  be  laid,  and  it  is 
very  obvious,  that  it  can  be  laid  in  a  much  more  equita- 
ble manner  after  the  canal  shall  have  been  put  into 
operation.  Indeed,  the  commissioners  believe  that 
justice  could  not  be  done  by  an  immediate  apportion- 
ment of  this  tax.  Many  large  tracts  of  land  adjoining 
the  canal,  and  lying  on  a  lower  level,  will  be  wholly  or 
in  part  reclaimed  from  a  marshy  and  unproductive  state, 
by  intercepting  and  carrying  off,  through  the  canal,  the 
waters  by  which  they  had  previously  been  overflowed, 
but  to  what  extent  this  result  will  be  produced,  cannot, 
with  any  considerable  accuracy ,be  at  present  ascertain- 
ed. Villages  will  also  spring  up,  and  the  lands  become 
thereby  very  valuable  in  many  places,  where  great 
roads  are  intersected  by  the  canal. 

In  nddition  to  these  considerations  for  delay,  the 
commissioners  have  been  so  incessantly  occupied  in 
devising  plans,  forming  contracts,  and  attending  to  all 
their  pressing  and  multifarious  duties,  that  it  was  im- 
possible for  them,  without  suspending  the  work,  to 
devote  any  time  to  the  apportionment  of  this  tax. 

6th.  The  Commissioners  have  no  additional  sugges- 
tions to  make,  other  than  to  refer  the  committee  to  their 
last  report. 

DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
SAMUEL  YOUNG, 
EPHRAIM  HART. 

Albany,  I9th  February,  r8l9. 


(    373    ) 
REPORT 

OF  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  CANALS,  MARCH  14,  1820. 


The  committee  to  whom  teas  referred  that  part  of  his  Excel- 
lency the  Governor'^s  speech^  which  relates  to  the  Western 
and  J\  orthern  Canals^  and  various  resolutions  and  petitions 
pertaining  to  the  same,  have  directed  their  chairman  further 
to  report — 

That,  in  reference  to  the  resolution  of  the  Hon. 
the  Assembly,  concerning  the  raising  of  a  tax  on  lands 
adjacent  to  the  canals,  and  also  the  resolution  con- 
cerning the  disbursements  of  money  exclusively  upon 
the  eastern  section  of  the  Erie  canal,  and  the  south- 
ern parts  of  the  Champlain  canal,  until  the  same  are 
completed,  they  have  requested  the  canal  commission- 
ers to  communicate  to  them  such  information  as  they 
possessed,  on  the  subjects  of  the  said  resolutions,  and 
have  received  from  them,  in  answer  to  said  request,  the 
communication,  which  accompanies  this  report. 

Having  maturely  considered  that  part  of  the  said 
communication,  which  relates  to  the  local  tax,  your 
committee  are  of  opinion,  for  the  reasons  therein  stated, 
in  which  the  canal  commissioners  are  unanimous, 
that  it  is  expedient  at  present,  for  the  legislature  to 
take  any  measure  relating  to  the  raising  of  the  said  tax. 
On  the  subject  of  directing  the  places  on  which  the 
monies  subject  to  the  control  of  the  canal  commis- 
sioners shall  be  first  laid  out,  your  committee  perceive 
that  there  is  considerable  diversity  of  opinion.  They 
understandhowever,that,withoutthe  interference  of  the 
legislature,  it  is  intended  that  all  that  part  of  the  west- 
ernsectionof  theErie  canal,  which  extends  from  Seneca 
river  to  Genesee  river,  being  about  sixty-three  miles, 
and  all  that  part  of  the  eastern  section  of  the  same  ca- 
nal, which  extends  from  Utica  to  the  foot  of  the  Little 
Falls  of  the  Mohawk,  being  about  twenty-six  miles ; 


(    374    ) 

and  all  that  part  of  the  Champlain  canal,  which  extends 
from  Fort  Edward,  on  the  Hudson  river,  to  the  lower 
end  of  the  Saratoga  level,  being  about  twenty-seven 
miles,  shall  be  divided  into  small  sections,  as  soon  as 
may  be  this  season,  and  let  out  to  contractors  simulta- 
neously. 

Your  committee  have  attended  to  the  suggestions,  in 
favour  of  a  resolution,  concerning  this  subject,  as  well 
as  to  those,  against  it ;  and,  after  much  deliberation, 
they  have  found  themselves  unable  to  come  to  a  de- 
cided result.  It  is  probable,  that  the  different  theories, 
as  to  the  advantages  to  be  expected  from  ac^  opting 
that  course  of  expenditure,  to  which  the  board  of  canal 
commissioners  are  inclined,  or  the  course  indicated,  in 
the  resolution  of  the  Assembly^  will  be  essentially  il- 
lustrated, by  the  experience  of  the  approaching  sea- 
son. And  your  committee  deem  it  expedient,  to  wait 
for  the  benefit  of  such  experience,  before  they  interfere, 
in  any  way,  to  counteract  or  control  the  plans  of  the 
canal  commissioners,  who  have  hitherto  managed  their 
business  with  success. 


To  George  Huntington,  Esquire,  Chairman,  &fc. 

Sir, 
Your  letter,  requesting  from  the  Canal  Commission- 
ers any  information  which  they  have  to  communicate 
relating  to  the  subject  of  two  resolutions  of  the  Hon. 
the  Assembly,  referred  to  the  committee,  of  which  you 
are  the  chairman,  has  been  duly  received,  and  we  now 
transmit  to  you  the  following  answer  thereto. 

The  first  of  the  said  resolutions  is  in  these  words, 
"  Resolved,  that  the  committee,  on  that  part  of  the 
speech  of  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  "  concerning 
the  Western  and  Northern  Canals,  and  the  repeal  or 
modification  of  the  local  tax  on  lands  adjacent  to  them," 
be  instructed  to  inquire  into,  and  report  upon,  the  ex- 


(    375    ) 

pediency  of  bringing  in  a  bill  requiring  the  Canal  Com- 
missioners, (luring  the  present  year,  to  raise  the  sums, 
and  in  the  manner  required  in  and  by  the  seventh  sec- 
tion of  the  act,  entitled,  "  An  act  respecting  navigable 
communications  between  the  great  western  and  north- 
ern lakes  and  the  Atlantic  ocean,  passed  April  I5th, 
1817,"  and  in  pursuance  of  the  latter  paragraph  of 
the  fifth  section  of  the  act,  entitled,  "An  act  concern- 
ing the  great  western  and  northern  canals,  passed  April 
7th,  1819." 

1st.  ITie  inconvenience  and  expense  of  collecting 
such  a  tax,  afford  very  strong  reasons  against  the  expe- 
diency of  it. 

Previous  to  its  collection  it  would  be  necessary  to 
have  the  district  on  each  side  of  the  canal,  to  which 
the  tax  should  apply,accurately  surveyed  and  bounded  ; 
and  as  the  canal  line  waves  into  frequent  curves  of  dif- 
ferent lengths,  the  labour  of  ascertaining  and  designa- 
ting the  outside  limits  of  this  district  would  be  very 
great.  If  the  tax  were  to  be  levied  upon  towns  or  coun- 
ties or  other  territorial  divisions,  of  which  the  limits 
are  precisely  known  and  described,  this  survey  would 
be  unnecessary.  Under  those  sections  of  the  canal- 
laws,  which  refer  to  this  subject,  as  they  now  stand,  it 
would  be  unavoidable. 

The  task  of  apportioning  the  tax  upon  the  lands  and 
real  estate  subject  to  it,  would  be  exceedingly  burden- 
some :  for,  in  order  to  this,  the  lands  and  real  estate, 
must  be  separately  assessed  :  and  this  assessment  could 
not  be  judiciously  made  without  possessing  an  accurate 
description  of  the  property,  and  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  all  the  local  circumstances,  which  could  affect  its 
value.  The  extent  of  the  business  of  collecting  such 
descriptions,  and  inquiring  into  and  understanding 
such  circumstances,will  be  best  appreciated  by  consider- 
ing, that  the  length  of  the  Eerie  canal  is,  353  miles, 
And  that  of  the  Champlain  canal,  61  do. 

In  all,  414  miles. 


(     3^6     ) 

The  number  of  the  different  owners,  and  the  vari- 
ous kmds  of  property  subject  to  the  tax,  included 
within  a  territory  four  hundred  and  fourteen  miles  long 
and  fifty  broad,  and  stretching  through  the  most  popu- 
lous part  of  the  state,  need  only  to  be  mentioned  to 
impress  every  mind  with  the  conviction,  that  the  labour 
of  making  such  assessment,  would  be  enormous.  And 
this  labour  could  not  be  saved,  by  adopting  the  assess- 
ments, made  under  the  authority  of  the  different  towns 
included  within  the  taxable  limits ;  because  it  is  well 
known  to  those,  who  have  had  much  to  do  with  town 
assessments,  that  there  is  great  inequality  in  the  valu- 
ations of  property,  indifferent  towns  of  the  same  coun- 
ty, and  still  greater  inequality,  in  the  valuations  of  pro- 
perty in  different  counties.  These  inequalities  have 
been  heretofore  complained  of,  and  efforts  have  been 
made  to  correct  them  since  the  imposition  of  a  state 
tax.  If  this  local  tax  should  be  enforced,  the  amount 
of  it,  upon  a  part  of  our  citizens,  being  much  greater 
than  any  state  tax  heretofore  levied  upon  them,  would 
induce  them  to  urge  a  new  assessment,  to  be  applied 
upon  uniform  principles,  to  all  the  lands  and  real  estate 
subject  to  the  tax.  And,  as  a  line  twenty-five  miles, 
on  each  side  of  the  canals,  would  inevitably  necessi- 
tate new  assessments  of  portions  of  iarms  and  other 
real  estate,  which  would  be  divided  by  such  line,  that 
circumstance  would  so  fortify  tKe  claim  of  these  citizens 
as  to  render  it  irresistible 

But  if  the  town  assessments  should  be  adopted,  the 
labour  of  apportioning  the  tax,  upon  the  tands  and  real 
estate  required  to  pay  it,  according  to  the  benefit,  which 
they  shall  be  considered,  by  the  Canal  Commissioners, 
as  deriving  from  the  making  of  the  canals,  would  be 
equivalent  to  that  of  the  assessment.  It  would  involve 
tbe  same  necessity  of  particular  and  separate  descrip- 
tions of  every  kind  of  property  subject  to  the  tax,  and 
a  much  more  difficult  estimate  of  the  circumstances, 
which  might  be  supposed ^to  give  that  property  value,— ^ 
more  difficult,  because  such  estimate  must  be  made, 
without  the  light  of  experience,  as  to  the  proportion,  in 


(    377  ) 

which  the  benefits  of  the  canals,  will  be  conferred  upon 
property,  in  their  vicinity. 

But  let  us  suppose,  that  the  multiplied  details  of 
assessing  the  property,  and  apportioning  the  tax,  had 
been  entered  upon  and  gone  through  with,  the  Canal 
Commissioners  are  then,  to  make  rules  and  regulations, 
for  collecting  the  tax,  which  may  be  done  by  sale  of 
the  lands  and  real  estate,  or  otherwise ;  nothing  more 
being  necessary,  to  make  these  rules  and  regulations  of 
the  most  binding  and  effective  authority  than  the  sanc- 
tion and  approval  of  the  chancellor  and  judges  of  the 
supreme  court,  or  a  majority  of  them.  The  delegation 
of  authority  so  extensive  as  that  of  making  rules  and 
regulations,  which,  by  the  letter  of  the  law,  under  which 
they  are  made,  may  produce  the  transfer  of  a  part  of  the 
real  estate  of  half  this  community,  appears  to  be  very 
exceptionable.  Nothing  but  the  strongest  necessity 
could  justify  its  exercise,  by  any  body  but  the  legisla- 
ture. 

When  these  rules  and  regulations  are  made,  and  the 
assessment  rolls  completed,  containing  exact  descrip- 
tions of  all  the  property  taxed,  the  valuation  of  it,  and 
the  amount  of  tax  apportioned  to  each  individual  on  it, 
then,  a  numerous  body  of  collectors  are  to  be  appointed, 
who  must  give  adequate  security  for  the  faithful  per- 
formance of  their  duties  respectively,  and  be  required 
to  make  returns,  on  or  before  a  certain  time,  of  all  the 
monies  collected,  by  them.  These  returns  must  be 
made,  to  persons  of  fidelity  and  competent  intelligence, 
who  must  carefully  examine  them,  and  who  will  most 
assuredly,  find  them  very  incomplete.  After  the  labour 
of  many  successive  years,  to  perfect  the  assessment 
rolls,  for  the  purposes  of  ordinary  town  and  county 
taxtation,  the  description  of  property  is  generally  very 
imperfect,  and  arrears  are  often  charged  upon  it,  from 
year  to  year,  for  the  want  of  such  a  description  as  will 
serve  for  its  legal  conveyance.  And  it  is  notorious  that 
the  amount,  actually  collected,  always  falls  far  short  of 
the  sum  directed  to  be  collected ; — but  as  the  system  of 
taxation,  for  these  purposes  is  in  uniform  application 

49 


(    378    ) 

every  year,  there  are  various  ways  provided  by  law,  by 
which  the  defects  and  errors  of  one  year,  are  supplied 
and  corrected,  in  succeeding  years.  It  is  certain,  that 
the  assessment  rolls,  for  the  local  tax,  and  the  returns  of 
the  collectors  thereof,  would  be  more  defective  and 
erroneous  than  those  of  common  collectors,  and  the 
errors  and  deficiencies,  in  their  case,  could  be  remedied 
only,  by  the  labour  of  a  new  assessment,  apportionment, 
and  collection. 

The  inconvenience  of  this  mode  of  raising  money 
Would  soon  be  apparent  to  every  body,  and  it  would 
become  justly  odious.  It  would  also  be  oppressive  : 
For  the  great  number  of  persons  whom  it  would  employ, 
and  the  responsibility  and  duration  of  their  services, 
would  necessarily  lead  to  great  expense.  All  these 
services  must  be  reasonably  paid:  and  when  the  money 
raised  in  this  way  should  be  counted,  and  the  accumula- 
ted services  required  in  order  to  its  collection,  should 
be  paid  for  and  deducted,  it  would  probably  be  found, 
that  not  more  than  half  of  it  would  remain  applicable 
to  the  construction  of  the  canals. 

Before  the  provision  for  a  local  tax  was  adopted,  in 
1817,  a  joint  committee  of  the  legislature  made  an  ela- 
borate report  to  the  assembly,  in  which  they  manifest 
their  opinion  that  such  a  tax  should  be  eventually  le- 
vied from  every  section  of  the  state,  which  it  was  be- 
lieved would  derive  peculiar  benefit  from  the  canals. 
The  report  alluded  to,  is  dated  19  March,  1817,  and 
the  following  is  an  extract  from  it,  to  wit :  "  A  tax  to  be 
laid  upon  the  valuations  of  real  and  personal  property, 
in  the  counties,  cities  or  towns,  which  will  be  particu- 
larly benefited,  by  the  construction  of  these  canals,  of 
from  one  third  to  three  fourths  of  a  mill  upon  a  dollar. 
At  the  places  to  which  this  tax  should  apply,  and  the 
proportion  of  its  application  to  each,  your  committee 
think  should  be  as  follows  : 
New  York  at  i  mill  on  last  year's  valuation, 

amounting  to         .         .         .         .         .  ^41,037 

Albany  and  Water- Vliet  at  f  mill  on  do.  4,776 


(    379    ) 

The  towns  of  Waterford,  Stillwater,  Sarato- 
ga, Northumberland,  and  Moreau,  in  the 
county  of  Saratoga,  at  ^  mill  do.  1,762 

All  the  towns  of  Washington  county,  except 
Cambridge,  Jackson,  and  White  creek,  at 

i  mill  do 2,672 

The  county  of  Essex  at  f  mill  do.  706 

Clinton  I-     "    do.  1,135 

"  Montgomery       i-     "    do.  2,593 

Herkimer  i     "    do.  1,914 

Oneida  f     "    do.  7,098 

Madison  f     "    do.  3,408 

Onondaga  f     "    do.  2,86a 

"  Cayuga  f     "    do.  3,647 

Seneca  f     "    do.  3,066 

"  Ontario  f     "    do.  11,203 

Genesee  f     "    do.  5,834 

Niagara  f     "    do.  2,373 

"  Chautauqua       f     "    do.  647 

The  city  of  Troy  i     "    do.  800 

The  village  of  Lansingburg     -i-     "    do.  180 

That  the  places  above  enumerated,  and  not  included 
within  the  limits  of  twenty-five  miles,  on  each  side  of 
the  canals,  will  be  specially  benefited,  by  these  works, 
cannot  be  doubted,  and  therefore,  it  appears  just,  that 
if  a  local  tax  upon  lands  and  real  estate,  is  to  be  im- 
posed at  all,  it  ought  to  extend  to  them. 

But  there  is  now  a  local  tax  paid  to  a  large  amount, 
by  all  the  country  parts  of  the  state,  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  Erie  canal,  to  which  the  law  applies.  The  tax  re- 
ferred to,  is  the  duty  of  twelve  and  a  half  cents^  per 
bushel,  on  all  salt  manufactured,  in  the  Western  Dis- 
trict. 

This  duty  amounted  in  1817  to  $  2,926  28 

"  1818    "  48,784  27 

"  1819    "  61,432  11 


in  all,  ;8!  11 3,1 42,66 
nearly  double  the  amount  of  all  the  interest  paid  on 
monies  loaned  by  the  state  for  both  canals.  The  amount 


(     380      ) 

of  such  interest  paid  in  1817  was  %  6,000 

"  J8I8    "  16,250 

"  1819    "  38,836  64 


in  all.  $61,086  64 
The  duty  on  salt  is  paid  cheerfully,  and  it  is  of  easy 
collection.  The  places  at  which  it  is  manufactured  are 
all  so  conveniently  near  the  line  of  the  Erie  canal,  or 
the  Salina-side-cut,  as  to  enjoy  all  the  facilities  of  tran- 
portation  afforded  by  them.  These  facilities  will  im- 
mediately lessen  the  expense  of  fuel^  at  the  salt-works, 
which  will  produce  a  proportionate  diminution,  in  the 
price  of  salt  there.  And,  as  by  means  of  these  canals, 
and  the  waters  with  which  they  connect,  the  same 
boats  will  be  able  to  pass^  early  in  the  ensuing  season, 
without  unloading,  all  the  way  from  the  salt  works  to 
Schenectady,  on  the  one  hand,  and  to  the  southern  ex- 
tremities of  the  Cayuga  and  Seneca  lakes,  on  the  other, 
it  is  certain,  that  the  market  for  this  article  will  be  at 
once  greatly  extended ;  and  of  course  there  will  be  col- 
lected a  proportionate  encrease  of  duty.  And  this  con- 
sideration seems  to  render,  a  resort  to  a  local  tax,  upon 
lands  and  real  estate,  at  present,  altogether  inexpe- 
dient. 

2d.  A  compliance  with  the  resolution  is,  at  present, 
absolutely  impracticable. 

The  7th  section  of  the  act  passed  April  15th,  1817, 
and  referred  to  in  the  resolution,  makes  it  the  duty  of 
the  Canal  Commissioners  "  to  raise  the  sum  of  $250,000, 
to  be  appropriated  towards  the  making  and  completing 
the  said  canals  from  the  Mohawk  river  to  the  Seneca 
river,  and  from  Lake  Champlain  to  Hudson's  river,  by 
causing  to  be  assessed  and  levied,  in  such  manner  as 
the  said  Commissioners  may  determine  and  direct,  the 
said  sum  of  $250,000,  upon  the  lands  and  real  estate 
lying  along  the  route  of  the  said  canals,  and  within  twen- 
ty-five miles  of  the  same  on  each  side  thereof.''''  and  the  5th 
section  of  the  act  passed  April  7th,  1819,  also  referred 
to,  in  the  resolution,  suspends  the  raising  of  the  money 
directed  in  the  7th  section  aforesaid,  until  the  further 


(      381} 

order  of  the  legislature  thereon,  and  provides  "  that, 
whenever  the  legislature  shall  direct  the  assessment 
and  collection  of  such  tax,  a  similar  tax  shall  be  assess- 
ed and  collected,  on  the  sections  authorized  by  this  act^  and 
on  the  like  principles  as  declared  in  said  7th  section." 
The  sections  of  the  two  canals  authorized  to  be  made, 
by  the  act  of  the  7th  April,  1819,  were  both  the  eastern 
and  western  sections  of  the  Erie  canal,  and  all  that 
part  of  the  Champlain  candl,  which  extends  from  Fort 
Edward  down  the  Hudson  river,  to  its  navigable  waters. 
Now  the  line  of  the  Erie  canal,  through  all  that  part,  of 
the  western  section,  lying  between  Genesee  river  and 
Lake  Erie,  is  not  yet  located  ;  neither  is  the  line  of  that 
part  of  the  eastern  section,  which  extends  from  the 
western  limits  of  Herkimer  county  to  the  Hudson  river; 
nor  the  southern  extremity  of  the  line  of  the  Champlain 
canal.  In  all  places,  where  the  canal-line  is  not  yet 
definitively  established,  the  district  of  country,  from 
which  the  tax  should  be  levied,  is  not  ascertained,  a 
compliance  with  the  resolution,  in  respect  to  such 
places,  is  therefore,  at  present,  obviously  impracticable. 

The  second,  of  the  said  resolutions, is  in  these  words, 
"  Resolved,  that  the  said  committee  also  enquire  into, 
and  report  upon,  the  expediency  of  directing  the  Canal 
Commissioners  to  apply  the  funds,  under  their  control, 
in  constructing  the  northern  canal,  and  the  western 
canal,  from  Utica  to  the  Hudson,  and  of  delaying  the 
construction  of  a  canal  west  of  Seneca  river,  until  the 
northern  canal,  and  the  western  canal  from  Utica  to  the 
Hudson,  be  completed." 

After  much  enquiry  and  deliberation,  it  is  believed 
to  be  wholly  inexpedient  to  subject  the  Canal  Commis- 
sioners, to  the  direction  mentioned  in  this  resolution. 

1st.  Because,  about  twenty  miles  of  the  canal  west  of 
the  Seneca  river,  have  already  been  contracted  for  to 
individuals,  all  of  whom  have  been  at  great  expense,  in 
making  the  necessary  preparations  for  prosecuting  their 
contracts ;  and  most  of  whom  have  been,  for  some  time 
past,  with  several  hundred  hands,  actually  at  work  upon 
them.     These  contracts  were  entered  into,  under  the 


(     283     ) 

authority  of  the  canal-laws;  and  the  expense  of  their 
full  performance,  will  probably  exceed  ;S^00,000,  of 
which  several  thousand  dollars  have  already  been  earn- 
ed, by  labour  laid  out  upon  them. 

Under  this  sanction  of  the  legislature,  to  violate 
contracts,  thus  legally  made,  could  be  justified  only,  by 
the  most  pressing  considerations ;  and,  in  this  case,  be- 
sides involving  a  breach  of  public  faith,  and  the  disre- 
pute of  legislative  instability,  it  would  be  doing  the 
greatest  injustice  to  the  contractors,  unless  heavy  dama- 
ges were  paid  them. 

The  expense  of  preparation,  in  building,  the  neces- 
sary huts  for  the  men  and  shelters  for  the  cattle, 
in  purchasing  spades,  shovels,  picks,  wheel-barrows, 
ploughs,  scrapers,  chains,  crow-bars,  carts,  horsing- 
blocks,  wheeling-planks,  axes,  grubbing  hoes,  wheels, 
screws,  pike-poles,  ladders,  cranes,  horses,  oxen,  corn, 
oats,  hay,  flour,  meat  and  vegetables,  and  of  transport- 
ing them  all  to  the  scene  of  labour,  is  by  no  means 
small.  The  advances  made?  on  the  middle  section, 
for  these  purposes,  was  generally  from  $  300  to  $2000, 
to  each  contractor,  depending  upon  the  extent  of  his 
contract.  West  of  the  Seneca  river,  no  advances  were 
made,  before  the  commencement  of  the  present  year, 
because  the  commissioners  had  no  funds,  in  their  hands 
for  such  purpose,  before  that  time.  And  but  few  ad- 
vances have  been  made  there  since.  The  expense 
of  preparation,  nevertheless,  has  been  incurred.  And 
this  expense,  together  with  that  of  the  labour  laid  out, 
on  the  jobs,  would,  in  a  great  measure,  be  thrown 
away.  But  the  loss  of  this  expense  and  labour,  and 
the  disappointment  and  chagrin  of  the  contractors, 
would  not  be  the  only  evils  produced  by  this  course. 

The  owners  of  the  land,  through  which  the  line  of 
the  canal  is  carried,  while  the  work  is  in  progress, 
are  subject  to  many  inconveniences.  Their  fields  are 
thrown  open,  or  their  fences  are  new-laid,  for  tempo- 
rary security  while  the  work  is  going  on.  The  trees, 
throughout  all  the  woodland,  are  grubbed  up,  and 
cleared  away,  or  felled,  for  the  width  of  eight  rods ; 


(  383     ) 

and  out  of  these  trees,  timber  is  cut  and  hewed,  for 
the  foundation  of  the  locks,  aqueducts,  culverts  and 
waste-weirs,  and  for  constructing  the  road  and  frame 
bridges,  aqueducts,  and  fences.  Embankments  are 
commenced  across  the  ravines  and  vallies,  which  afford 
channels  for  the  streams  and  springs.  And  while 
these  embankments  are  incomplete  new  channels  are 
provided,  in  many  cases,  which  subject  the  adjoining 
lands  to  more  or  less  hazard  of  injury.  Wherever  ex- 
cavation is  begun,  drains  must  be  opened,  which  will 
naturally  discharge  all  the  water  running  into  the  ex- 
cavation. And  in  times  of  heavy  rain,  this  will  be  in 
such  quantity,  wherever  the  line  of  excavation  is  long, 
and  the  drain  from  the  land  into  it  extensive,  as  to  pro- 
duce torrents  of  sufficient  power  to  gully  and  deface 
the  ground  below. 

The  accumulation  of  mischiefs,  which  would  surely 
result,  from  leaving  any  considerable  portion  of  the  ca- 
nal-line unfinished,  for  years,  after  it  was  once  begun 
and  brought  into  the  situation  above  mentioned'  should 
not  lightly  be  encountered.  Among  these  mischiefs, 
in  addition  to  those  above  enumerated,  must  be  reckon- 
ed, the  loss,  of  much  valuable  timber  to  the  public,  and 
of  the  use  of  many  acres  of  his  land  to  the  farmer, 
who  would,  moreover,  be  exposed  to  the  expense  and 
vexation,  in  many  instances,  of  having  his  usual  and 
most  important  passages,  for  all  agricultural  objects, 
effectually  obstructed  on  his  own  farm.  It  is  not  in  the 
nature  of  man  to  hinder  circumstances  like  these  from 
producing  the  most  untoward  effects.  And  it  behooves 
every  friend  to  the  canals,  before  he  contributes  to  their 
existence,  to  consider  well  their  bearing  and  their  in- 
fluence. 

2d.  Because,  in  the  prosecution  of  undertakings  so 
extensive  and  novel  as  these  canals,  it  is  most  prudent 
and  safe,  to  encounter  the  places  of  least  difficulty  first, 
and  afterwards  proceed,  with  every  attainable  advan- 
tage of  experience,  to  the  places  of  greater  difficulty. 
From  the  report  of  the  Canal  Commissioners  dated 
the  17th  February,  1817,  it  appears,  that  the  whole  ex- 


(    384    ) 


pense  of  opening  the  navigation  from  Seneca  river 
Lake  Erie  is  estimated  at  ;S  1,783,862.    Divide  this  su 


to 
sum 

by  163,  the  number  of  miles,  as  measured  on  the  canal 
line  explored  in  1816  between  those  two  places,  audit 
will  be  found,  that  the  average  expense  per  mile  is  glO. 
944.  In  the  same  report,  the  estimated  expense  of  the 
canal,  from  Utica  to  the  Hudson  river,  is  stated  at  $  2, 
067,457,  which,  divided  by  98,  the  number  of  miles  as 
measured  on  the  canal  line,  between  those  two  places, 
shows  the  expense  per  mile  to  be  ^21,096.  This  differ- 
ence, in  expense,  was  intended  to  be  a  correct  indication 
of  the  difference,  in  the  difficulty  of  constructing  the 
canal,  through  the  two  sections.  And,  it  ought  always  to 
be  remembered,  that,  in  proportion  to  the  difficulty  of 
making  a  canal,  in  any  given  place,  is  the  chance  of  ex- 
pensive contingencies  there,  even  after  long  experience 
in  the  business  of  making  canals.  With  little  experi- 
ence these  chances  would  be  greatly  increased.! 

The  canals  have  hitherto  gone  on  prosperously.  Let 
us  not  check  their  progress,  by  imprudence.  And  no 
one  will  deny,  that  a  large  amount  of  unforeseen  expen- 
ses, in  connexion  with  occasional  miscarriages,  would 
essentially  impair  the  energy,  alacrity  and  sound  dis- 
cretion, to  which  the  public  anxiously  looks,  for  the  en- 
tire accomplishment  of  these  important  projects. 

3d.  Because,  by  proceeding  immediately  with  the 
Erie  canal,  west  of  the  Seneca  river,  the  ultimate  entire 
construction,  of  both  canals,  is  ensured  :  whereas  the 
application  of  the  funds  announced,  in  the  resolution, 
would  subject  the  canal  line,  west  of  the  Seneca  river 
to  the  hazard  of  eventual  abandonment.  If  the  Cham- 
plain  canal  were  now  finished  to  the  tide-waters  of  the 
Hudson,  and  the  eastern  section  of  the  Erie  canal  were 
completed,  it  is  obvious,  that  the  most  direct  and  ap- 
parent local  advantages,  of  these  works,  would  be  se- 
cured to  a  majority  of  our  population.  Every  facility 
of  transportation  and  mutual  intercourse,  which  tiie 
canals  would  ever  produce,  would  then  be  enjoyed, 
by  all  our  citizens,  from  the  mouth  of  the  Hudson,  to 
the  northern  extremity  of  lake  Champlain,  and  from 


(    385     ) 

the  eastern  boundary  of  our  state,  to   the  borders  of 
Ontario  county. 

Thus  situated,  it  would  perhaps  be  calculating  too 
much  upon  the  foreseeing  wisdom  or  public  spirit  of 
any  set  of  men,  to  expect  them  to  advocate,  or  contri- 
bute to,  the  disbursements  necessary  for  the  continuance 
of  the  canal  one  hundred  and  sixty-three  miles,  through 
a  country,  which  is  now  averred,  by  those  who  think, 
they  have  a  local  interest  in  opposition  to  the  canal,  to 
be  sufficiently  well  accommodated  for  navigation,  by 
the  waters  of  lake  Ontario.  Men,  of  narrow  minds  and 
selfish  spirits,  would  be  disposed  to  argue,  from  the 
income,  then  derived,  from  that  part  of  the  canals,  which 
would  be  navigable,  on  the  capital  expended  in  their 
construction,  to  the  profit  which  ought  to  be  anticipa- 
ted from  their  entire  completion.  And  this  argument 
would  have  seeming  weight  with  such  as,  not  having 
meditated  on  the  subject  much,  would  be  backwand 
to  comprehend  the  interesting  truth,  that  this  state  can 
never  enjoy  a  tenth  part  of  the  advantages  of  the  Erie 
canal,  till  the  tide  of  inland  commerce,  of  which  it  is  to 
be  the  channel,  is  permitted  to  flow,  without  a  mile  of 
portage,  from  the  great  lakes  to  the  Atlantic. 

The  great  fear  entertained,  by  the  friends  of  the  ca- 
nals, since  its  practicability  has  been  experimentally 
demonstrated,  has  been  founded  upon  the  influence  o( 
local  feelings,  and  the  deluded  calculations  of  local  in- 
terests. And  it  cannot  be  reasonably  imagined,  that 
the  way  to  remove  these  fears,  is  to  increase  the  terri- 
tory, over  which  such  interests  are  likely  to  prevail. 

The  plan  of  operations  adopted,  by  the  Canal  Com- 
missioners, of  advancing  with  the  Champlain  canal  to 
the  foot  of  the  Saratoga  level,  and  of  hastening  the  con- 
struction of  the  western  section  of  the  Erie  canal,  while 
they  address  themselves  more  gradually  to  the  diflicult 
places  on  the  eartern  section,  seems  to  comport,  better 
than  any  other  with  prudence,  and  with  an  earnest  de- 
>sire  of  seeing  the  wLole  works  completed,  within  the 
shortest  tims,  and  with  the  least  possible  drawback 
from  unfortunate  contingencies. 

50 


(     386     ) 

While  the  works  are  prosecuted  in  this  way,  much 
useful  experience  will  be  gradually  acquired,  without 
the  danger  of  serious  and  expensive  errors.  And  no 
man  can,  for  a  moment,  conceive,  if  a  canal  communica- 
tion was  all  the  way  opened  from  lake  Erie  to  the  Little 
Falls  of  the  Mohawk,  or  to  the  city  of  Schenectady, 
that  any  physical  difficulty  now  existing,  or  political 
considerations,  which  might  be  conjured  up,  could  then 
be  able  to  withstand  the  force  of  that  command  for  its 
extension  to  the  Hudson,  which  would  issue  from  every 
district,  county  and  town,  in  the  state. 

4th,  Because,  the  state  has  already  obtained  three 
valuable  donations  of  land,  from  the  country  west  of  the 
Seneca  river,  for  the  increase  of  the  canal  fund,  to  wit, 
that  of  John  Greig,  Esq.  as  agent  for 

the  Hornby  estate,  of  3000  acres, 

that  of  Paul  Busti,  Esq.  as  agent  for 

the  Holland  company,  of  1,06036    „ 

and  that  from  the  Hon.  Gideon  Gran- 
ger, from  his  own  estate,  of  1000  „ 
By  a  bond  duly  executed  by  the  donor,  this  last  de- 
nation  has  been  guaranteed  to  produce  to  the  cana! 
fund,  when  the  western  section  is  completed,  the  sum 
^5000.  And  Col.  Troup,  the  agent  of  the  Pultney 
estate  situate  in  the  same  region,  is  now  urging  his 
Principals,  with  zeal  and  a  prospect  of  success,  to  make 
a  liberal  donation,  in  money,  to  the  same  fund. 

These  acts  of  munificence,  while  they  furnish  the 
most  irresistible  evidence  of  honest  and  strong  devotion 
to  the  canal  interests,  and  contribute,  in  no  mean  mea- 
sure, to  exalt  the  character  of  the  state,  have  also  some 
claim  to  invite  the  expenditure  of  funds  in  the  west.  It 
would  doubtless  give  great  impression,  to  the  recom- 
mendation, of  neglecting  for  the  present,  the  western 
part  of  the  canal-line,  and  of  confining  the  disburse- 
ments of  money  exclusively  to  the  Mohawk  and  Hud- 
son rivers,  if  those  who  live  in  their  vicinity,  and  enjoy 
all  the  gifts  of  fortune,  were  to  enlarge  the  canal  fund, 
by  similar  liberalities. 

5th.  Because,  the  resources  of  the  state,  to  complete 


(    387    ) 

the  canals,  would  probably  accumulate  in  a  greater 
ratio,  compared  with  the  expenditure,  by  going  west, 
than  otherwise.  To  evince  this  probability,  the  follow-^ 
ing  facts  and  considerations  are  suggested. 

Whenever,  in  its  progress  from  Seneca  river  west, 
the  canal  reaches  the  Genesee  river,  that  stream  will 
afford  an  additional  navigation  connected  with  it,  for 
the  distance  of  near  forty  miles :  that  is,  by  making 
sixty-three  miles  of  canal,  at  about  half  the  expense,  per 
mile,  at  which  the  eastern  section  is  estimated,  the 
state  will  have  the  benefit  of  one  hundred  miles  of 
interior  navigation,  through  a  country,  at  least  as 
populous  and  productive  as  any  other  equal  extent  of 
country,  in  the  state.  The  surplus  productions,  of 
Ontario  county  alone,  have  been  reckoned,  as  high,  in 
some  seasons,  as  g600,G00.  And,  by  the  published 
statements,  of  the  collector  of  the  port  of  Genesee,  it 
appears,  that  the  export,  from  the  mouth  of  that  river, 
of  articles  growing  and  manufactured,  in  that  neighbour- 
hood, for  the  last  two  years,  has  been  to  the  value  of 
about  ^900,000. 

From  the  Genesee  river,  on  the  most  northerly  ca- 
nal route,  about  seventy-two  miles  running  west,  will 
lead  to  the  waters  of  the  Tonewanta  creek.  These 
waters  flow  into  the  Niagara  river  opposite  Grand- 
Island  :  and  as  they  are  deep  and  still,  from  the  point 
where  the  canal  will  intersect  them,  to  the  place 
of  their  discharge,  as  soon  as  the  canal  reaches 
them,  they  will  afford  a  navigable  communication  with 
Lake  Erie,  obstructed,  only  by  the  current  of  the  Nia- 
gara, which  is  very  gentle,  except  at  Black  Rock.  Im- 
mediately after  this  consummation  is  effected,  that 
great  revolution,  which  the  construction  of  the  Erie  ca- 
nal is  destined  to  produce,  in  the  trade,  agriculture, 
manufactures,  wealth,  political  influence,  and  public 
character,  of  this  state,  will  begin  speedily  to  develope 
itself.  The  difficulties  presented  at  Black  Rock,  and 
thence  to  the  Tonewanta,  may  be  overcome  at  leisure. 
The  expense  of  overcoming  them  was  originally  com- 
puted by  the  canal  commissioners,  at  $205,377,    Of 


t 


(    388    ) 

this  sum  about  1^10,000,  would  be  required  to  make  a 
dam  and  temporary  lock  of  a  little  more  than  four  feet 
lift,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Tonewanta  creek,  which 
would  be  necessary,  in  order  to  prevent  a  more  expen- 
sive operation  of  deep  cutting  from  the  said  creek 
northerly  through  the  mountain  ridge,  and,  in  reference 
to  the  ulterior  purpose,  of  obviating  the  impediment,  of 
the  Black  Rock  rapid.  In  deciding  upon  the  relative 
profit,  of  first  taking  up  the  eastern  or  western  section 
of  the  canal,  the  residue  of  this  sum  ought  to  be  de- 
ducted from  the  aggregate  of  estimates,  west  of  the 
Seneca  river,  because  its  disbursement  might  be  post- 
poned,to  the  all  other  expenses  ofjconstructing  the  canal. 
For  so  soon  as  the  navigation  is  opened  to  the  Niagara 
river  above  the  falls,  the  grand  object  of  a  navigable 
communication  with  the  entire  lake  country  will  be  se- 
cured, and  that,  in  such  a  way,  as  will  effectually  induce 
that  country,  to  make  us  the  most  acceptable  and  pro- 
fitable returns. 

Before  endeavouring  to  give  some  outline  of  the 
wide  field  of  internal  trade,  which  a  boatable  connex- 
ion with  Lake  Erie  would  afford  us,  it  may  be  useful 
to  state  more  of  the  advantages,  which  we  should  de- 
rive, from  opening  the  western  section  of  the  canal  in 
preference  to  the  eastern,  without  adverting  at  all  to  ex- 
terior territories. 

This  course  would  speedily  enhance  the  value  of 
the  donations  of  land  to  the  canal  fund,  and  render 
them  all  absolute.  If  the  harbour  required  at  the  east 
end  of  Lake  Erie  should  be  constructed,  in  one  of  the 
modes  proposed,  to  wit,  by  building  a  dam  from  our 
shore  below  the  Tonewanta  creek  to  Grand  Island,  and 
then  connecting  that  island,  by  a  wall  of  timber,  earth 
and  stone,  with  Bird  Island,  at  the  foot  of  the  lake, 
the  state  land  on  the  margin  of  the  Niagara  river  and 
Grand  Island  would,  at  once,  become  more  valuable 
than  any  other  equal  quantity,  in  the  western  district. 
The  dam  and  wall  would  afford  a  perpendicular  head 
of  water,  that  could  never  fail,  of  near  five  feet,  for 
the   length  of  about  three   miles,  at  the   very  place, 


"-  (    369    ) 

where  hydraulic  establishments  would  be  more  valua- 
ble than  at  any  other,  in  the  United  States.  And  if 
any  other  plan  of  a  harbour  is  adopted,  the  value  of 
these  islands  will  be  essentially  increased. 

In  all  cases,  the  construction  of  good  roads  and  ca- 
nals.from  large  commercial  towns,into  any  interior  coun- 
try,affbrd  all  their  benefits^to  a  range  of  that  interior  coun- 
try, which  constantly  widens  as  the  distance,  from  the 
town  increases.  In  other  words,  on  a  canal,  at  a  point 
twenty  miles  from  the  market  town,  to  which  it  leads, 
the  farmer  would  perhaps  tind  a  saving,  in  transporta- 
tion, by  bringing  his  produce  to  the  canal,  from  a  dis= 
tance  of  five  miles  ;  while  at  a  point  two  hundred  miles 
from  the  town,  he  would  find  a  saving,  in  transportation, 
by  bringing  his  produce,  from  a  distance  of  fifty  miles. 
On  the  Erie  canal  this  principle  has  a  striking  appli- 
cation. The  width  of  country  to  be  benefited,  by  this 
canal,  in  its  advance  west  from  Albany  always  increases, 
but  not  exactly  in  proportion  to  the  distance.  From 
Albany  to  Utica,  that  width  increases  slowly,  while 
from  Utica  to  Lake  Erie,  it  increases  rapidly.  If  the 
canal  were  complete,  no  one  would  doubt  this.  It 
holds  good,  in  a  great  degree  of  the  western  section, 
before  the  whole  is  completed.  Besides,  as  the  canal 
is  carried  west  from  the  middle  section,  it  will  not  only 
invite  to  its  use  the  surplus  produce  of  a  more  extensive 
region,  but  every  ton  of  property,  which  it  bears  to 
market  will  pay  toll  for  a  much  longer  distance. 

It  is  certainly  good  economy,  after  large  expenditures 
have  been  made,  in  the  prosecution  of  any  enterprize, 
with  a  view  to  pecuniary  profit,  to  lay  out  succeeding 
expenses,  in  such  a  way,  as  will  render  the  first,  most 
productive.  A  given  number  of  tons  transported  from 
Seneca  river  to  Albany  would  pay  twice  as  much  toll, 
as  they  would  from  Utica  to  Albany,  even  if  navigation 
extended  throughout  the  whole  distance.  And  it  is 
material  here  to  remark,  that  the  whole  length  of  the 
eastern  section  must  be  finished,  before  much  profit  can 
be  derived,  from  using  any  part  of  it.  This  section 
runs,  along  a  stream,  which  with  the  improvements  on 


(    390    ) 

it,  now  prelBents  a  parallel  and  continued  navigation, 
for  eighty  miles.  For  descending  transportation,  this 
navigation  is  very  valuable,  during  a  great  part  of  the 
year.  The  tolls  on  the  canals  and  locks,  which  con- 
stitute a  part  of  it,  for  lading  in  general,  is  $5,25  per  ton, 
charged  both  ways,  besides  a  charge,  on  the  capacity 
of  the  boat,  of  $4  31,  for  one  carrying  ten  tons,  and 
thirty-seven  and  a  half  cents  for  every  addition£»l  ton. 
After  the  state  becomes  the  owner  of  these  canals  and 
locks,  and  takes  off,  or  essentially  lessens  the  exorbi- 
tant toll  at  present  imposed  on  the  passage  of  all  kinds 
of  property  through  them,  as  it  certainly  will  do,  this 
season,  the  value  of  this  navigation  will  be  exceedingly 
increased ;  for  it  may  be  used,  by  boats  coming  all  the 
way  from  the  remotest  western  limits,  to  which  the  ca- 
nal may  be  completed,  to  Schenectady,  without  chang- 
ing their  loading.  And  it  is  well  known,  that  the  amount 
of  tonnage  annually  carried  down  the  valley  of  the  Mo- 
hawk, is  at  present  but  a  small  part  of  that  which  is 
carried  up.  For  the  introduction  of  salt  and  plaister, 
to  a  market  as  far  down  as  Schenectady,  this  river  is 
almost  equal  to  a  canal.  After  our  great  work  is  done, 
it  will  be  forever  abandoned.  But  why  incur  the  ex- 
pense, of  $2,067,457,  in  constructing  this  section,  while 
there  is  now  an  easy  connexion,  with  all  the  useful  part 
of  the  river,  from  that  portion  of  the  canal,  which  is 
completed,  and  while,  without  the  construction  of  the 
western  section,  the  advantages  anticipated  from  this, 
would  be  but  very  partially  exhibited  ?  Because  the 
river  is  not  navigable  throughout,  or  not  so  convenient, 
where  it  is  navigable,  as  a  canal  would  be,  shall  we  al- 
together disdain  to  use  it } 

Let  us  now  attend  to  some  facts,  that  are  calculated 
to  illustrate  the  subject  of  the  inland  trade,  which  we 
may  hope  to  derive  from  the  immediate  construction  of 
the  western  section  of  the  canal.  These  facts  will  be 
very  miscellaneous,  but  they  are  believed  to  be  stated 
on  good  authority. 

By  an  official  statement  from  the  collector's  office  in 
Detroit,  dated  in  1818,  it  appears  that  there  were  then 


(     391     ) 

owned,  at  that  place,  and  on  the  United  States'  side  of 
lake  Erie,  51  vessels,  of  which  the  aggregate  tonnage 
was  ....  .  1867 

and  vessels  of  less  than  tons  burthen  of  which  the 
aggregate  tonnage  was         .  .  .201 


in  all,     2068 

The  amount  of  tonnage  owned  by  the  British  on  the 
same  lake  is  not  known,  but  is  considerable. 

During  six  weeks,  in  the  year  1818,  the  number  of 
boats  loaded  with  the  produce  of  the  country,  chiefly 
our  own,  which  passed  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  were 
counted,  near  its  head,  and  they  averaged  fifteen  a  day, 
for  that  time. 

The  north  part  of  the  state  of  Ohio  is  favoured  with 
numerous  rivers,  which  afford  navigation  southward 
into  the  country  from  ten  to  forty  miles ;  and  on  the 
margin  of  several  of  these  streams  inexhaustible  quar- 
ries of  excellent  grindstones  are  opened,  which  now 
supply  the  demand  for  that  article,  in  our  state  for  one 
hundred  miles  east  of  Buffalo  notwithstanding  the  ex- 
pense of  land  carriage.  And  on  Rocky  river,  within 
half  a  mile  of  its  navigation,  there  is  an  excellent  coal- 
mine. 

The  manufacture  of  pot  and  pearl  ashes,  in  that  state 
is  considerable,  and  it  would  be  much  increased,  by 
affording  to  them  the  facilities  of  transportation,  which 
would  be  offered,  by  the  construction  of  the  western 
section  of  the  Erie  canal.  For  they  would  avail  them- 
selves of  these  facilities,  for  the  Montreal  market,  by 
coming  through  the  canal  to  the  mouth  of  Genesee  ri- 
ver, and  for  the  New- York  market,  by  coming  through 
the  canal,  in  the  same  boat,  from  Buffalo  to  Schenec- 
tady. With  the  destruction  of  their  forests,  the  founda- 
tion of  this  trade,  is  rapidly  passing  away. 

The  soil  of  that  state  is  well  adapted  for  pasturage, 
and  the  raising  of  wheat  and  Indian  corn;  and  its  ex- 
ports of  flour,  beef  and  pork,  are  fast  increasing.  Some 
of  these  articles  are  sent  west  for  the  supply  of  new 
settlements,  some  are  sent  to  the  United  States'  garri- 


(    392    ) 

Sons,  on  our  lake-frontier,  and  several  thousand  barrels 
have  been  sent,  last  year,  over  the  portage  of  the  Nia- 
gara river. 

The  imports  of  that  state  are,  by  the  way  of  New- 
Orleans,  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  New-York,  and  Mon- 
treal. The  greatest  portion  of  these  imports  are  from 
Philadelphia,  by  the  way  of  Pittsburgh.  A  very  able 
pamphlet  published,  in  1818,  at  Baltimore,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  communications  proposed  between  the  At- 
lantic and  western  states,  contains  the  following,  to  wit: 
"  A  computation  has  been  made,  in  Philadelphia,  that 
ten  waggons,  on  an  average,  leave  that  place  for  Pitts- 
burg every  day.,  loaded  with  an  average  freight  of  $200. 
This  gives  for  the  annual  amount  of  the  fi-eight  $730,000. 
If  we  take  eight  dollars  to  be  the  average  price  of  freight 
(^which  their  writers  state  it  is)  then  8,730,000,  will 
give  91,250  cwt.  as  the  quantity  carried.  It  is  difficult 
to  fix  an  everage  value  to  this  merchandise,  but  it  is  a 
low  estimate  if  we  value  it  at  $200  per  cwt.  round. — 
Then  9 !  ,250  cwt.  will  give  a  gross  amount  of  18,250,000 
dollars,  the  value  of  merchandise  waggoned  out,  every 
year,  from  Philadelphia  to  Pittsburgh. 

If  this  calculation,  from  data  furnished  at  Philadel- 
phia, surprise  us,  by  the  greatness  of  its  amount,  let  us 
try  how  it  will  agree  with  one,  from  data  entirely  differ- 
ent, furnished  from  Pittsburgh.  Henry  Montgomery, 
keeper  of  the  turnpike  gate,  at  Chesnut  Ridge,  between 
Stoystown  and  Greensburgh,  made  an  official  return, 
from  which  it  appears,  that  there  passed  through  his 
gate,  during  the  year  ending  May  1818,  among  other 
things,  281  four-horse,  2412  five-horse,  and  2698  six- 
horse  teams.  In  order  to  make  every  allowance^,  we 
throw  out  the  four-horse  teams  entirely ;  and  to  allow 
for  wag2;ons  returning  eastwardly,  we  will  take  only  half 
the  nuinber  of  five  and  sii-horse  teams.  This  will  give 
2555  teams,  which  on  a  moderate  calculation,  must 
carry  an  average  of  35  cwt.  The  waggons  therefore, 
going  westwardly,  carry  89125  cwt.  which,  at  an  ave- 
rage of  $200,  gives  the  value  of  merchandize,  transport- 
ed to  Pittsburgh,  $17,885,00." 


(    393  )  ** 

When  the  western  section  of  the  Erie  canal  is  done, 
a  large  proportion  of  this  immense  trade  will  not  only 
be  supplied  from  New-York,  but,  the  articles  of  which 
it  consists,  will  be  transported  through  our  canal,  and, 
by  the  imposition  of  a  reasonable  transit  duty,  they  will 
contribute  to  the  augmentation  of  our  canal  fund.  The 
people  of  Ohio  feel  a  deep  and  lively  interest  in  our 
canal,  and  they  are  every  year,  seeking  more  extended 
commercial  connexions  with  us.  Goods  have  been 
lately  purchased  in  New-York,  and  sent  thence  to 
Albany  in  a  sloop,  thence  to  Buffalo  in  waggons,  thence 
to  Huron,  in  a  sloop,  and  thence  one  hundred  and  five 
miles  into  the  country  in  waggons,  at  a  less  expense 
than  they  could  have  been  sent  for,  from  Philadelphia. 
And  respectable  men,  of  this  city,  have  recently  adverti- 
sed, to  carry  goods  from  New-York,  by  the  way  of 
Albany,  and  through  the  western  district,  to  Pittsburgh, 
cheaper  than  the  expense  of  carryingthem,  to  that  place 
from  Philadelphia.  The  objection  to  this  route  has 
been  the  length  of  time  it  requires.  But  this  objection 
will  be  removed,  or  if  not  wholly,  it  will  be  more  than 
counterbalanced,  by  further  deductions  of  expense, 
when  water  carriage  may  be  had  from  Schenectady  to 
the  south  shore  of  Lake  Erie. 

The  impression  arising  from  these  facts,  undoubtedly 
is,  that  a  much  more  profitable  result  would  be  ensured 
to  the  state,  by  the  construction  of  the  western  section, 
so  far  as  it  respects  a  trade,  in  articles  generally 
produced,  or  required,  in  the  country,  than  would,  by 
the  construction  of  the  eastern  section. 

But  the  articles  of  plaster  and  salt,  furnished  in 
inexhaustible  abundance  along  the  line  of  the  middle 
section,  are  of  great  importance,  in  settling  the  ques- 
tion of  pecuniary  profit,  and  of  course,  intimately  con- 
nected with  the  best  hopes  of  the  friends  of  the  canals. 
How  will  these  be  affected  by  ope^iing  the  western 
section  ? 

1st.  Of  Plaster. — The  middle  section  of  the  canal, 
having  this  season  a  navigable  connevion  with  the 
Mohawk  river,  when  the  tolls  of  the  Western  Inland 

51 


^  (      394  ) 

Lock  Navigation  Company,  are  taken  off  or  greatly 
reduced,  the  transportation  of  this  article  will  be  so 
cheap,  as  to  induce  its  being  brought,  from  the  west,  to 
supply  the  market  as  far  down  as  that  river  is  navigable. 
And  it  is  most  probable  that  the  country  above  Still- 
water, to  the  eastern  limits  of  the  state,  may  obtain,  it, 
from  there,  upon  better  terms  than  they  can,  from  any 
other  quarter.  It  is  believed  that  the  plaster  of  the 
west  may  be  afforded  at  Schenectady ,whenever  the  tolls 
are  taken  off  from  the  Mohawk  navigation,  as  low  as 
four  dollars  per  ton. 

At  that  rate  20  tons  would  amount  to  $80 

It  would  be  delivered,  in  a  boat,  on  the  canal, 

120  miles  from  Schenectady,  at  one  dollar 

and  a  half  per  ton. 
At  this  rate  20  tons  would  cost  $30 

^he  use  of  a  boat  sufficient  to  carry  it,  say 

ten  days,  going  and  returning,  at  one  dollar 

per  day,  10 

Three  men   finding  themselves  ten  days,  at 

%\  each,  30 

One  horse,  for  keeping  and  service,  ten  days, 

at  $1,        ,  10 

In  all,  $80 
But  the  horse's  services  would  not  be  required,  on  the 
Mohawk,  and  the  hands  are  supposed  to  return  with  an 
empty  boat,  besides  being  one  more  than  would  be 
wanted,  except  in  returning.  These  circumstances 
show,  that  a  reasonable  toll  might  be  imposed,  and  ^^t 
the  business,  at  the  price  above  mentioned,  would 
afford  a  living  profit.  And  the  transportation  could  be 
carried  on,  in  boats  of  twenty  tons  burthen,  more  than 
two  months  in  the  year, — ^long  enough  to  »tock  the 
market. 

Then  in  opposition  to  the  additional  country  to  be 
supplied  with  that  article  from  the  west,  by  opening  the 
eastern  section  of  the  canal,  may  be  put,  that  part  of 
west  Pennsylvania,  which  may  be  easily  approached 
from  the  waters  of  Allegany  river.     The  country  allu- 


(     395    ,) 

(led  to,  is  well  adapted  to  the  use  of  plaster,  and  now 
obtains  it  in  small  quantities,  even  at  the  price  of  three 
dollars  per  bushel.  This  plaster  goes  from  our  state, 
by  way  of  the  south  end  of  the  Seneca  lake,  Bath,  and 
the  Allegany  river.  When  the  canal  is  opened  to  the 
Genesee,  it  may  be  taken,  in  boats,  from  the  quarry,  to 
the  foot  of  the  Gardeau  falls  on  the  Genesee,  and  thence 
by  land,  to  the  navigable  waters  of  the  Allegany,  with 
half  the  distance  of  land  transportation,  to  which  it  is 
now  subjected.  And  this  would  lead  to  a  considerable 
trade,  in  that  article,  with  the  counties  of  Warren,  Ve- 
nango, Mercer,  Armstrong,  Butler  and  Allegany. 

2d.  Of  Salt. — The  Mohawk  river  will  afford  the  same 
facilities  for  the  transportation  of  salt,  that  it  will  for 
plaster.  And  the  market  for  this  article  may  be  ex- 
tended further  east  by  avoiding  the  cost  of  the  barrel. 
For  when  it  can  be  loaded,  at  the  works,  into  a  boat, 
from  which  it  need  not  be  unloaded  until  it  passes  into 
the  store-house  at  Schenectady,  it  will  be  brought  there 
in  bulk.  From  the  extension  of  the  market  east,  there- 
fore, before  the  construction  of  the  eastern  section,  we 
may  expect  a  great  increase  of  the  revenue,  from  salt. 

The  western  country,  south  of  the  great  lakes  and 
north  of  Louisville,  is  supplied  with  salt  chiefly  from  the 
following  places,  to  wit, — 

From  the  Conemaugh  works  in  Pennsylvania,  situa- 
ted on  a  creek,  which  falls  into  the  Allegany  river 
thirty-five  miles  above  Pittsburgh,  The  salt  made  at 
these  works,  is  better  than  any  other  made  in  the  val- 
ley of  the  Ohio,  though  not  so  good  as  Onondaga  salt. 
It  cannot  be  sold  at  Pittsburgh  for  less  than  ^7.50  per 
barrel.  The  neighbourhood  of  the  springs  abound 
in  coal,  which  is  obtained  at  little  cost ;  but  it  is  neces- 
sary to  bore  three  hundred  feet  through  rock  to  pro- 
cure the  water,  and  when  procured,  it  is  not  very 
strong.  Last  year  these  works  sent  two  thousand  bar- 
rels to  Pittsburgh.  The  springs  were  but  lately  dis- 
covered, in  the  examinations,  which  were  induced  by 
the  scarcity  and  high  price  of  salt,  in  that  country,  du- 
ring the  war.     The  proprietors  have  not  been  able  to 


(    396    ) 

make  the  manufacture  profitable,  and  the  works  begin 
already  to  be  neglected. 

From  the  Great  Kanhawa  river,  in  Virginia.  These 
works  have  been  recently  monopolized,  in  consequence 
of  which  the  price  of  salt,  in  their  neighbourhood,  has 
risen.  Shafts  are  sunk  here  very  deep,  through  solid 
rock,  for  water,  and  after  the  water  has  been  obtained 
at  great  expense,  several  springs  have  wholly  failed. 
The  salt  manufactured  here,  is  of  an  inferior  quality. 
It  is  generally  sold  in  large  quantities^  near  the  Ohio 
river,  and  above  Louisville,  at  $6  per  barrel. 

From  Kentucky  ;  in  which  state,  there  are  five  places 
where  extensive  manufactories  of  it  are  established. 
These  are  at  the  Upper  and  Lower  Blue  Springs,  at 
the  springs  on  Licking  river,  at  the  Big-bone-lick,  at 
Dennon's  licks,  and  at  Bullet's  lick.  From  these  places 
salt  has  been  furnished  to  the  surrounding  country,  at 
one  dollar  per  bushel.  The  water  is  obtained  strong- 
er than  that  of  the  ocean,  by  sinking  wells  from  thirty 
to  forty  feet.  The  whole  quantity  manufactured,  in  this 
state,  in  1810,  was  324,870  bushels. 

From  the  state  of  Illinois;  where  about  200,000 
bushels  are  annually  manufactured,  at  the  works  of  the 
United  States,  on  Saline  river.  At  these  works  it  is 
commonly  sold  at  seventy  cents  per  bushel. 

From  the  state  of  Ohio,  in  which  there  are  salines, 
on  the  Scioto  river,  and  on  Yellow  creek. 

And  from  the  state  of  New-York, — 
In  1810,  17,400  barrels  of  salt,  from  Salina,  passed  the 

Niagara  portage,  into  Lake  Erie. 
"  1811,  20,000  "  "  " 

"1818,26,000  "  " 

"  1819,  29,000  "  "  " 

Mr.  Herger,  a  merchant  of  Cincinnati,  last  spring, 
purchased  four  hundred  barrels  of  Onondaga  salt,  to 
transport  and  sell  at  his  place  of  residence.  There 
\Vere  sent,  of  the  same  salt,  to  Sandusky,  last  fall,  not 
less  than  five  thousand  barrels,  of  which  a  part  was  car- 
ried to  Columbus,  the  capital  of  Ohio,  by  land ;  and, 
at  the  port  of  Erie,  on  the  south  shore  of  the  lake  ol 


(  397     ) 

that  name,  there  were  received  from  Salina,  in  the  three 
years  ending  the  1st  January  last,  27,900  barrels. 

These  facts  prove  that  the  people  of  Ohio,  inhabit- 
ing both  her  northern  and  southern  borders,  are  desi- 
rous of  obtaining  our  salt.  But  the  increase  of  their 
demand  for  it,  under  present  circumstances,  is  very 
small.  Not  half  so  much  of  it  is  now  sent  to  Pittsburgh 
as  there  was  ten  years  ago.  Gen.  Porter,  one  of  the 
lessees  of  the  Niagara  portage,  in  a  speech,  delivered 
in  congress,  in  1810,  on  the  subject  of  internal  improve- 
ments, having  first  mentioned  the  Niagara  portage, 
says,  "  On  the  south  side  of  Lake  Erie,  in  the  state  of 
Pennsylvania,  there  is  another  portage  of  fifteen  miles 
over  an  artificial  road, from  Presqu'isle  to  French  creek, 
a  branch  of  the  Allegany,  and  which  is  navigable  for 
boats  carrying  two  hundred  barrels.  Over  these  two 
portages  were  sent,  during  the  last  summer,  more  than 
100,000  bushels  of  salt,  manufactured  in  the  interior  of 
the  state  of  New- York,  and  transported,  through  Lakes 
Ontario  and  Erie,  across  these  portages,  and  down  to 
Pittsburgh,  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Ohio 
and  its  tributary  streams.  This  salt  trade  was  com- 
menced about  seven  years  ago,  and  has  becQ  increas- 
ing ever  since,  at  the  rate  of  twenty -^ve  per  cent,  a  year. 
And  if  the  great  line  of  navigation,  to  which  I  shall  pre- 
sently call  the  attention  of  the  house,  were  opened,  the 
people  of  the  Ohio,  and  its  various  waters,  would  be 
supplied,  with  that  great  and  necessary  article  of  life, 
fifty  per  cent,  cheaper  than  it  now  costs  them."  The 
inhabitants  of  the  country  referred  to,  in  this  extract, 
have  since  that  period  increased  three  fold,  and  yet 
the  trade  in  salt,  carried  on  from  Salina  with  them,  has 
suffered  great  diminution. 

The  expense  of  transportation  from  Pittsburgh  to 
Louisville  is  from  forty  to  fifty  cents  per  cwt.  when  the 
quantity  is  considerable.     And  salt  from  ISalina  may 
now  be  offered  at  Pittsburgh  as  follows,  to  wit : 
Value  at  Salina,  including  duties,  per  barrel,      %2 
Expense  of  transportation,  thence  to  Oswego, 

commonly,  621^ 

Thence  to  Buffalo,  including  portage,  1  12^ 


(    398      ) 

Thence  to  Erie,  including  storage,  50 
Thence  to  Waterford,  including  storage  and 

portage,  50 

Thence  to  Pittsburgh,  in  boats,  56 


In  all,     $5  31 

In  the  existing  state  of  things,  the  expense  of  trans- 
porting a  barrel  of  salt,  from  Salina  to  Erie,  according 
to  the  above  statement,  is  $2  25.  When  the  western 
section  of  the  canal  is  made,  it  may  be  carried,  in  the 
same  boat,  from  one  of  these  places  to  the  other,  as  the 
boats,  which  navigate  the  St.  Lawrence,  now  pass  from 
that  river  to  Oswego;  and  then  the  price  of  transpor- 
tation between  them  will  be  diminished  more  than  a 
dollar  per  barrel. 

From  these  calculations,  it  is  probable,  that  a  barrel 
of  salt  may  be  manufactured  at  Salina,  and  sent  to 
Louisville,  on  the  Ohio,  when  the  western  section  of 
the  canal  is  made,  for  the  sum  of  five  dollars. 

Throughout  the  valley  of  the  Ohio,  Onondaga  salt  is 
greatly  preferred  to  any  other,  within  their  reach.  And 
when  it  can  be  sold,  as  low  down  as  Louisville,  at  $5 
per  barrel,  it  will  take  place  of  all  other  salt  in  the  mar- 
ket, from  that  plac^e  northerly.  Can  it  be  questioned, 
then,  that  an  immense  trade  in  it,  will  at  once  spring 
up  from  the  completion  of  the  western  section  of  the 
canal ? 

The  reason  why  our  salt  is  manufactured  at  so  much 
less  expense  than  any  other,  in  the  United  States  is,  the 
water  is  much  stronger  than  any  other,  and  is  procured 
in  quantities  that  defy  the  fear  of  failure,  at  very  little 
expense.  Its  strength  is  such,  that  from  a  gallon  of  it, 
may  be  obtained,  from  sixteen  to  twenty-six  ounces  of 
salt. 

The  quantity  of  salt  annually  imported  and  consumed 
in  the  United  States,  for  ten  years  ending  with  1807, 
was,  in  the  average,  2,888,385  bushels.  The  quantity 
now  annually  imported  and  consumed  is  upwards  of 
3,000^000  of  bushels  :  and  there  are  made  in  the  coun- 
try about  2,000,000  of  bushels— in  all  5,000,000  of 
bushels.    This  quantity  divided  among  10,000,000  of  in- 


(    399    ) 

habitants,  about  the  whole  number  in  the  United  States, 
gives  to  each  half  a  bushel  a  year. 

Grazing  countries  consume  more  salt  than  grain  coun- 
tries, and  countries  remote  from  the  sea,  than  those 
which  are  near  to  it,  if  the  population  be  equal. 

With  these  facts  in  view,  is  it  not  reasonable  to  be  be- 
lieved, that  the  construction  of  the  western  section  of 
the  canal,  would  open  a  more  extensive  demand  for 
the  salt,  which  adds  to  the  canal  fund,  than  the  open- 
ing of  the  eastern  section  possibly  could  ?  Salt  at  New- 
York,  which  is  preferred  to  that  of  Salina,  by  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  eastern  and  southern  parts  of  our  state, 
though  it  may  not  be  so  good,  is  sold  at  from  forty  to 
fifty  cents  per  bushel,  of  fifty-six  pounds.  At  Montreal 
it  is  sold  at  from  twenty  to  thirty  cents.  And  from  this 
last  place,  it  may  be  sent  to  lake  Champlain,  for  six 
cents  a  bushel.  The  difference  between  the  prices  at 
New-York  and  Montreal  is  occasioned  chiefly,  by  the 
payment,  at  the  former,  of  a  duty  of  twenty  cents  per 
bushel  imposed  by  Congress  on  salt  imported.  If  salt 
comes,  from  Montreal  into  this  state,  it  must  pay  the 
same  duty.  And  it  should  not  be  forgotten,  on  this 
sul)ject,  that  as  Congress  impose  the  duty.  Congress 
may  take  it  off  It  was  taken  off,  and  remained  off 
from  the  3Jst  December  1807  to  the  1st  of  January  1814, 
Before  the  eastern  section  of  the  canal  could  be  com- 
pleted, the  finances  of  the  United  States  may  be  so 
regulated  as  not  to  require  it.  If  the  duty  should  be 
taken  off,  the  sale  of  salt  from  Onondaga,  in  the  valley 
of  the  Hudson,  would  be  effectually  debarred,  for  the 
same  reason  that  now  prevents  our  citizens  from  con- 
veying it  down  the  St.  Lawrence  within  a  hundred 
miles  of  Montreal. 

But  supposing  the  duty  to  remain  unaltered,  is  it 
reasonable  to  expect,  that  a  greater  salt  trade,  from 
Salina  would  be  promoted,  by  the  construction  of  the 
eastern  section,  than  w^ould  be,  by  that  of  the  western  ? 
Number  the  population  of  our  state,  that  will  not  be 
supplied  with  salt  from  Salina  after  this  year,  from  the 
city  of  New-York,  to  the  north  end  of  Lake  Champlain, 
together  with  the  people  of  those  parts  of  Vermont, 


(    400    ) 

Massachusetts,  Connecticut  and  New-Jersey,  which 
now  procure  their  salt  from  New-York ;  and  if  they 
shall  all  obtain  their  supply,  of  that  article,  from  Sa- 
lina,  after  the  communication  with  the  Hudson  is  per- 
fected, they  will  not  equal  the  population  that  will 
ask  their  supply,  of  the  same  salt  in  the  west,  after  de- 
ducting those  who  are  now  supplied  with  it,  in  that 
quarter.  And  the  population  of  the  western  territory, 
embraced  within  the  supply,  is  increasing  at  the  rate 
of  seven  or  eight  per  cent,  annually  ;  while  that  of  the 
eastern,  does  not  increase  at  a  rate  exceeding  one  per 
cent. 

In  the  preceding  facts  and  remarks,  no  mention  hsas 
been  made  of  the  expense  of  opening  the  Champlain 
canal,  from  Fort  Edward  to  Waterford.  The  original 
estimate  of  this,  was  $621,000,  though,  from  more  mi- 
nute examination  of  that  country,  recently  made,  and 
the  discovery  of  unexpected  facilities,  the  cost  will  not 
probably  much  exceed  ,^400,000.  In  determining  on 
the  relative  profit  of  the  plan  of  operations  actually- 
adopted,  and  that  of  the  resolution,  under  considera- 
tion, this  amount  should  be  added     against  the  latter. 

Other  weighty  reasons  might  be  adduced,  to  justify 
the  course,  taken  by  the  canal  commissioners,  but  the 
foregoing  are  deemed  satisfactory  and  sufficient. 

The  more  we  examine  into  the  topography  of  our 
state  and  the  adjoining  country,  and  consider  the 
sources  and  principles  of  inland  trade,  the  more  we 
shall  be  persuaded,  that  the  richest  results,  of  our 
great  enterprises,  cannot  be  enjoyed,  until  all  the  parts 
of  them  have  received  their  last  hand.  When  they 
are  complete,  the  w  ealth  of  every  island  and  every 
lake,  of  every  continent  and  every  ocean,  which  is 
visited  by  the  light  of  heaven,  will  contribute  to  weary 
their  waters  with  conveyance. 

With  great   respect,  Sir,  we  are  your  obt.  servants 
DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
S.  VAN  RENSSELAER, 
MYRON  HOLLEY. 
Many,  1th  March,  1820. 


(    401     ) 
IN  ASSEMBLY,  Jan.  10,  1821 


Report  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Canal  Fund ;  to  the 
Hon,  the  Lesislature. 


"s 


The  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund,  'pursuant  to 
the  directions  of  the  act,  entitled  "  an  act  respecting 
navigable  communications  between  the  great  western 
and  northern  lakes  knd  the  Atlatic  ocean,"  passed 
April  15,  1817,  respectfully  submit  the  following  RE- 
PORT : 

REVENUE 

The  revenue  of  the  "  canal  fund"  for  the  year  1821, 
is  estimated  at  two  hundred  and  ten  thousand  dollars, 
derivable  from  the  following  sources,  viz  : 
Duty  on  goods  sold  at  auction,  115,000 

On  salt  manufactured  in  the  western 
district,  90,000 

Commutation  for  the  tax  on  steam  boat 

passengers  5,000 

$210,000 


RECEIPTS  IN  1820. 

The  receipts  of  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund, 

in  1 820^  were  as  follows,  viz  : 

Loan  of  130,000 

do.  of  $300,000 

Premium  thereon,  besides  stipu- 
lation to  convey  money  to  ca- 
nal  commissioners,   &c.   &c. 
1  per  cent.  3,000 

— 303,000 

52 


(     402     ) 

Loan  of  151,000 

Premium  theron  of  8  per  cent.  12,080 


163,080 


Loan  of  112,500 

Premium  thereon  of  7^  per  cent,         8,437  50 

120,937  50 

Duties  on  goods  sold  at  auction,  122,653  07 

do.  on  salt  manufactured  in 

the  western  district,  67,038  67 

Tax  on  Steam  boat  passengers,  1,684  92 

Commutation  for  do.  for  1820,  5,000  00 

Dividend  on  the  stock  held  by  the  state 
in  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Naviga- 
tion Company,  3,678  00 

Total  receipts  in  1820,  $917,072  16 


PAYMENTS  IN  1820. 

The  payments  made  by  the  commissioners  of  the  ca- 
nal fund  in  1 820,  were  as  follows,  viz ; 
To  the  canal  commissioners,  668,900 

To  the  New- York  State  Bank  and  Mechanics 
and  Farmers     Bank;  amount  which  those 
banks  stood  overdrawn,  31st  Dec.  1819,       6,724  69i 
For  interest  on  loans,  70,627  27 

To  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Naviga- 
tion Company,  for  damages  sustained 
by  them,  by  their  investing  in  the  state, 
the  lands,  waters  canals,  &c.  &c.  claim- 
ed by  them,  including  the  interest  of 
the  state  in  the  stock  of  that  com- 
pany, Jg]51, 820  80 
For  expenses  attending  the  appraise- 
ment of  do.  damages,  897,72 


152.718  52 

For   clerk   hire,  printing,  and 

other  incidenatl  expenses,  232  86 

;g!899.503  34 


(     403     ) 

The  receipts  of  the  year,  as  above, 

amounted  to  917,072  16 

And  the  payments,  to  899,503 


34 


Which  leaves  a  balance  in  bank,  to  the 
credit  of  the  commissioners  of  the 
canal  fund,  on  the  31st  Dec.  1820  of       g!l7,568  82 


The  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  are  author- 
ized  to  borrow  annually,  a  sum,  which,  with  the  reve- 
nues of  the  fund,  shall  not,  in  any  one  year,  exceed 
g 600,000.  By  the  act,  ch.  187.  of  the  last  session, 
however,  they  were  authorized,  in  addition  to  the  formf 
er  authority,  to  borrow  a  sum,  which  should  be  suffi- 
cient to  pay  "  the  damages  to  be  sustained  by  the  west- 
ern inland  lock  navigation  company,  by  investing  in  the 
people  of  the  state,  all  the  lands,  waters,  canals,  locks, 
feeders,  and  appurtenances,  claimed  by  the  said  com- 
pany."— For  this  purpose,  the  commissioners  obtained 
a  loan  of  ^151,000.  The  same  act  also  authorized 
the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  to  borrow,  if  re- 
quired by  the  canal  commissioners  for  expenditure  on 
the  canals  in  1820,  ^122,500  more  ;  and  the  same  hav- 
ing been  so  required,  was  accordingly  borrowed,  and 
makes  the  aggregate  amount  of  the  loans  obtained 
in  1820,  exclusive  of  the  premiums  obtained  upon  them, 
693,500  dollars. 

The  amount  required  to  extinguish  the  interest  of 
the  individual  stockholders  in  the  western  inland  lock 
navigation  company,  was  only  ^91,616  :  but  this  board 
deemed  it  most  correct  that  the  value  of  the  interest 
of  the  state  in  that  company,  amounting  to  ^60,204  80, 
should  become  a  charge  upon  the  canal  fund,  and  there- 
fore borrowed  a  sum  sufficient  for  the  whole,  and  paid 
the  value  of  the  interest  of  the  state,  into  the  treasury. 


(     404 


«) 

§ 

►a 

© 
00 


1^ 


GO 
CO 

•to  pO 

O      CO 


O 

J>5 


:«2 


(N  «yi  i>  o 

T)^ 

■X>   0:1  1— 1   1—1 

c; 

"i 

t^   ^  l^  (N 

0 

*s 

O^  (N  (M  r- 

(N 

(J 

-^  1>  0  0 

^ 

(S 

--1  t>  0  !> 

cr> 

a 

Ci   fM  Ci   r-l 

CM 

p 

(M  "^  0  c; 

(N 

H 

•^ 

(N 

0 

0      0 

|5 

0      c 

C 

0        CO 

•^ 

^2 

CO       r- 

en 

2| 

0       ^ 

l> 

o  o 

10        CO 

CO 

fe 

^ 

O 

00  0  "^  <^^ 

Oi 

CC 

C^  !>  -^  S^ 

Oi 

S     , 

C5  <M  (M  '^ 

CTi 

c«&- 

0  0  --  00 

0 

O^O^'^O 

0 

S 
g 

::ScO<^^ 

CO 

fa 

^    ^    r-, 

lO 

CO  i>  Oi  l> 

1— ( 

^. 

c^i  cq  i^O  <X) 

as 

a 

CO  -^  0  CO 

05 

^ 

cq  CO  r-H  CO 

>o 

(8 
V3 

.a5_i>  ^0 

r— 1    ! 
**  1 

S 

(N  C0~  "^1^ 

JO   ' 

g 

T^  lO  CO 

r^ 

fa 

p-« 

■:;> 

^  d  "^  t^ 

"^ 

3 

Q 

r:*  0  0  0 

tf5  ! 

ffi 

f-H   CO   C5   PO 

CO 

'O 

CO  "^  r- 1  10 

*^ 

q:) 

0  C5  C*5  CO 

C5 

> 

(N  0  ^  eg 

"^ 

S 

|>  "^  F-  <N 

"O 

2 

I— 1  I— 1  I— 1 

■^ 

Ct, 

2 

000 

0 

3 

000 

»o 

C  0  !>. 

(N 

0- 

rt  CO   >— 

Tj^ 

E 

0  CO  0 

■^ 

•^ 

o 

Ci  T"  fO 

0 

fa 

(M 

Tf 

0000 

c 

c 

0000 

o 

0  C^O  iO 

0 

^ 

0  0  0  CO 

(M 

- 

0  0  0  C5 

05 

1 

(3<l  (N   -^  ;C) 

'^ 

t^  CO  Ci  0 

Ci3 

-M  , r^ 

CO  CO  00  CO 

f-i    r-^   f-^   i-H 

CO 


CO 


5S 

CO 

-I 

O 

Ci5 

■:? 

CO 
•ks 

«0 


0) 

0  l>  0  >--5 

(N 

0   CO  r-H  CD 

I~t 

0 

0  CO   rH  CD 

CO 

a; 

0  0  r^  i> 

»o 

m 

(N  CO  -^r". 

t^ 

•^ 

<o 

CO  CO  CO  ci 

00 

S 

0  CO  (N  c: 

0 

iv 

(M  TjH  CO  CO 

(N 

Q. 

cf 

"3 

■^ 

0 

H 

0  t^  t^  CO 

0 

3  • 

0  ^ro  CO  CO 

CO 

he 

CS 

©  00  l>   ?1 

CO 

0  0  CO  CO 

10 

13 

(M   r-(    r-H    (^^ 

l> 

s   ■ 

S 

^" 

(M 

(N 

s;S 

ITS 

0 

■^  S 

oS- 

CO 

CO 

^  3 

F-l 

r^t 

3  a 

t-^ 

!> 

cC 

00 

'■n 

lO 

1—t 

r-i 

«  c 

-a  — 

''  6 

^« 

0  c  ^  r* 

r— ( 

0  0  CO  (N 

05 

t^ 

0  0  CO  r^ 

CO 

S 

0   0    CO  (N 

1— 1 

OJ 

0  (M  CO  0 

© 

C3 

#>             «v             *^             *^ 

lO  CO  CO  0 

(N 

0 

1—  eo  i> 

CO 

fa 

i 

0  0  cji  0 

Oi 

0000 

© 

1 

a 
0 

0  0  J>  0 

r> 

00^0 

CD 

0  ^ 

0  OS   Tt^   05 

(M 

—1 1- 

^v     ^     «^     »~ 

CO   a; 

0  CO  t^  00 

,  ^ 

ctf 

0  CO  CO  CO 

<N 

0 

fM  -^  0  CO 

05^ 

-g 

1— H 

0 

H 

i>  CO  ot>  0 

oj 

^-     1— 1    I-H     (M 

CO  CO  CO  SO 

(    405    )      ' 

SUMMARY. 

The  total  receipts  of  the  commissioners  to  the  31st 

December,  1820,  inclusive,  amount  to  ;g  2,226,326  94 

And  their  expenditures  to  2,208,758  12 

Unexpended  balance,  $  17,568  82 
A  survey  and  appraisement  of  the  lands  appropriated 
to  the  canal  fund,  at  the  Onondaga  salt  works,  is  in 
progress  :  and  these  lands  will  probably  be  opened  for 
sale  in  the  course  of  the  year.  The  lands  on  Grand 
Island,  cannot,  with  propriety,  it  is  thought,  be  survey- 
ed or  sold,  until  the  division  line  between  this  state  and 
the  province  of  Upper  Canada  shall  have  been  estab- 
lished. No  steps  have  yet  been  taken  by  this  board 
to  ascertain  the  value  of  the  lands  granted  as  donations 
to  the  state  for  the  benefit  of  the  canal  fund.  They 
amount  to  104,633  acres,  and  are  situated  in  Cattarau- 
gus county,  with  the  exception  of  1000  acres  which  lie 
in  Steuben  county. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

JOHN  TAYLOR,  President, 
THOS.  J.  OAKLEY,  JWy  Gen, 
ARCH'D.  M'INTYRE,  CompUr. 
SIMEON  DE  WITT,  Surv.  Gen. 
J.  V.  N.  YATES,  Secretary. 
GERRIT  L.  DOX,  Treasurer. 
Albany,  January  Sth,  1821. 


*    (     406     ) 
IN  ASSEMBLY,  FEB,  23,     1820. 


Report  Of  the  Canal  Commissioners.  To  the  Legislature 
of  the  State  of  JYew-  York,  the  Canal  Commissioners 
most  respectfully  report. 

That  in  pursuance  of  a  concurrent  resolution  of  the 
honourable  the  Senate  and  Assembly,  passed  1 3th  April 
last,  they  have  caused  a  survey  to  be  made  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Oswego  river  up  the  same  to  Three  river 
Point,  thence  up  the  Seneca  river  to  the  outlet  of  the 
Onondago  lake,  and  thence  up  the  said  outlet  the 
length  thereof,  with  a  view  of  ascertaining  the  improve- 
ments of  which  the  waters  of  these  streams  are  suscep- 
tible, as  respects  their  navigation.  That  they  have 
caused  plans  of  such  improvements  to  be  devised,  and 
estimates  of  their  expense  to  be  formed ;  and  that  al- 
though it  has  not  been  in  their  power,  from  the  constant 
pressure  of  other  duties  devolved  on  them,  by  law, 
personally  to  inspect  the  said  waters,  and  to  consider 
on  the  spot,  of  the  plans  and  expenses  of  such  improve- 
ments, they  have  no  doubt  that  such  improvements  are 
practicable.  The  survey  has  been  made,  the  levels  as- 
certained, the  plans  devised  and  the  estimates  formed, 
by  S.  Bates,  Esq.  as  engineer,  whose  returns  are  here- 
with presented. 

The  said  commissioners  further  report,  that  they 
have  not  caused  a  survey  to  be  made  in  order  to  under- 
stand the  practicability  expense  and  effects  of  draining 
the  Cayuga  marshes,  only  because  the  condition  as  to 
expense,  upon  which  they  were  directed  to  act  has 
never  been  complied  with  on  the  part  of  the  applicants 
relating  to  said  marshes. 

DE  WITT  CLINTON, 
SAMUEL  YOUNG, 
STEPHEN  VAN  RENSSELAER. 
MYRON  HOLLEY, 
HENRY  SEYMOUR. 

February  21, 1820. 


(     407     ) 

To  De  Witt  Clinton^  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  Myron  Hoi- 
ley,  Henry  Seymour,  and  Samuel  \oung.  Esquires , 
Commissioners  of  the  iLrie  and  Hudson  Canals. 

Gentlemen — 

At  your  request,  and  agreeably  to  directions  con- 
tained in  a  resolve  of  the  honourable  legislature  of  the 
state  of  New-York,  I  have  examined  the  communication 
between  Salina  and  Oswego  through  the  Seneca  and 
Oswego  rivers,  and  beg  leave  to  present  you  the  result. 
Commencing  at  the  mouth  of  Oswego  river,  on  a  level 
with  lake  Ontario. 

m.ch.li.  f. 

Thence  to  the  head  of 

Oswego  rift,  distant    1.27.40  ascent  14.75i 

„  to  a  point  on  rapids 
of  Little  Smooth 

rock,  38.00       1.65.40     „        17.96i 

,.  foot  of  Little  Smooth 

rock  rift,  64.00       2.49.40     „        22.97i 

,,     point  on  Horse-race 

rift,  38.00       2.77.40     „       28,531- 

,.     head  of  Horse-race 

rift,  49.00      3.46.40     „     38.07 

"     to  foot  of  Six-mile 

rift,  64.00     4.30.40     "      43.24 

"     foot  of  Devil's  Horn 

rift,  26,00 

"  head  of  do.  do.  52.00 
"  Smooth  rock  (foot)  36.00 
"     commencement   of 

rapids,  77..50 

"  foot  Braddock's  rift,  48.00 
"     head  of        do.  52.00 

"  out-let  of  Fish  lake,  95.00 
"     B.  Mooney,  18.00 

"     foot  of  Oswego  falls 

rapid,  37.         9.71.90     "      60.54 


4.56.40 

?7 

46.271- 

5.28.40 

5? 

52.16 

5.64.40 

,    ?5 

52.82 

6.61.90 

95 

55.12|^ 

7.29.90 

">•) 

55.371- 

8.01.90 

» 

60.33 

9.16.90 

•)1 

60.36 

9.34.90 

?? 

60.481 

(    408    ) 

Thence  distance  m.ch.li.  ascent  f. 

"    store  house  lower 

landing,  80.60  10.72.50     "      63.48i 

"     Falley's  mill  pond,   24,90  11.17.40     "      74.36i 


Foot  of  dam,  68.86 


"     foot  of  falls,  59.10  11.76.46)"      91.311 

"     head  of  do.  J"    101.14 

"     gov'mt.  store  house    12  J6  12.08.90     "    101.20 
"     Lyons' store  &whf.  21.85  12.30.75     "    101.45i 
"     Horse-shoe  rift,       420.00  17.50.75     "    163.101 
"     head  of  do.  22.20  17.72.95     "    103.56| 

"  footof  Smooth  rock,  86.20  18.79.15  "  103.961 
"     head  of  do.  30.50  19.29.65     "    105.591 

"  footThree  river  bar,  90.55  20.40.20  "  105.931 
"  foot  Three  river  rift,  52.85  21.13.05  "  107.10f 
"     head  of     do.  35.40  21.48.45     "    112.231 

"  foot  of  Knockemstiff,  56.50  22.24.90  "  112.791 
"     Drurybar,  41.80  22.68.70     "    113.241 

"  foot  Gaston's  rift,  109.00  24.17.70  "  113.541 
"     head  of    do.  34.40  24.52.10     "    115.48f 

"     out-let  of  Onondaga 

lake,  say  6  miles,  30.52.10     "    ll6.68f 

"     from  Seneca  river  to  Onon. 

lake,  thro' out-let,  58  chs.  31.30.10     "    118.9lf 
Bottom  of  Salina  branch,  151. 9lf 

Topwater  line  in  do.  155.91  f 

These  ascents  I  have  divided  as  follows  : 

m.ch.lio 
No.  1.  Comprehending  the  Oswego  rift, 

ascent,  14  751  dist.  1.27.40 
To  surmount  this  rapid,  it  is  proposed  to  build  a  dam 
across  the  Oswego  river,  which  shall  flow  the  water 
back  upon  the  succession  of  rapids  connected  with  the 
Horse-race  and  Little  Smooth  rock  rapids.  It  will  be 
necessary  to  raise  this  so  high  as  to  obtain  twenty  feet 
of  ascent  from  the  lake  level,  and  one  foot  and  a  half 
additional,  to  cover  the  rift  at  the  foot  of  the  next  lock, 
which  will  be  on  the  face  of  the  rift  in  2^  feet  water; 
this  is  necessary  to  assist  the  navigation  from  the  above 
lock.    From  the  eastern  end  of  the  abovementioned 


(    409     ) 


dam,  it  will  be  necessary  to  cut  a  canal  fifty-one  chains 
long,  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  in  about  3.ijO,  cutting  to 
a  site  for  a  lock  of  10  feet  lift,  thence  three  chains  to 
the  river,  into  which  it  will  be  necessary  to  drop,  and 
continue  the  canal  down  the  stream,  nine  chains,  by  a 
side  wall  next  the  shore,  to  where  the  first  lock  of  ten 
feet  lift  will  probably  be  placed. 

Estimate. 

Dam  of  stone,    ( including  all  necessary  "| 
720  feet  long  J 
50  feet  base, 
12.50  high, 


\     13.S36 


1,000 
2,321  28 


88 


487 

20,000 

3,200 

$40,645   II 
3,240 

675 


timber,  plank,  gravel 
ling,  &c.  1 3.636  perches 
..   -      latjgil. 
Landing  and  attaching  said  dam  to  shores, 
Proposed  canal  (perhaps  rocky)  51  chs. 

3ifeet,  cutting  14.508  yds.  at  16  cts. 
Excavation,  3  chains,  average  5  feet,  cut- 
ting (rock)  1301  yds.  37-|-  cts. 
Two  locks,  each  10  feet  lift. 
Guard  lock,  6  feet  rise. 

Side  wall,  3240  perches,  at  $1, 
Embankments,  9  chains,  300  yds.  per  chain 

2700  yds.  ^V  

S44,  560   16 
No.  2.  This  section  will  extend  from  the  head  of  Os- 
wego rift  to  the  head  of  Horse-race,  ascent  23.3 1|,  dis- 
tance 2  miles  19  chains. 

Of  this  ascent,  5.25  will  have  been  accounted  for  by 
the  improvements  on  the  head  of  Oswego  rift.  It  will 
be  necessary,  for  the  improvement  of  the  remainder  18.7 
feet,  to  place  a  dam  and  lock  near  tli«  Little  Smooth 
rock  rift,  and  another  at  such  distance  above  this  rift, 
as  the  ascent  will  demand. 

These  will  estimate  as  follows  : 
1  dam,    12  feet  high 
600    "    long 
50    "    base  ^ 

53 


10,908  perches 
at^l, 


g  10,908 


(    410    ) 

1     do.     12    "    high  ) 

600    "    long  }    10,9  08  do.  do.     10,908 
50    "    base) 
1  Lock,  9  feet  lift,  9,000 

1  do.     9.07  do.  9,070 
Landing  and  attaching  dams  to  the  shores,   2,000 

2  Guard  locks,  gates,  &c.  6  feet  high,  6,400 


;g48„278 
No.  3.  Extends  from  head  of  Horse-race  to  head  of 
Smooth  rock,  and  contains  the  following  rapids  in  suc- 
cession. 

Rapids  below  Six  mile  rift,  no  particu- 
lar name,  5.174^ 
Six  mile  rift,                                                    3.03i 
Devil's  Horn  rift,  6.54|- 
Smooth  rock,                                                 2,55i 


17.31  ascent. 
To  overcome  these  rapids,  erect  a  dam  and  lock  at 
any  place  most  convenient,  probably  about  12  chains 
above  the  head  of  the  Horse-race,  at  the  head  of  a  short 
stretch  of  still  water,  and  another  at  the  foot  of  Devil's 
Horn. 

Estimate. 

1  Dam,  in  4  feet  water  ^ 

600  ^^^^  bng  [  ^^'^^^  perches,  ^10,908 
50    "    base  J 

Attaching  same  to  shores,  1,000 
Dam  at  footof  Devil's  Horn,  12.31  high,(in  3,00 

water)  600  feet  long,      ,  11,190 

Attaching  and  landing  same  to  shores,  1,000 

2  Locks  8  feet  and  9.31  feet  lift,       •  17,310 
2  Guard  locks,  6  feet  high,  6,400 

;g!46,800 

No.  4.  This  division  commences  at  still  water,  above 

Smooth  rock  rift,  and  extends  to  the  foot  of  Oswego 


(  411  ) 

Falls  rapid,  covering  no  other  obstruction  than  Brad- 
dock's  rift.  This  rift  may  be  surmounted  in  four  differ- 
ent ways. 

Ist.  By  a  dam  thrown  across  the  north  part  of  Brad- 
dock's  Island,  and  a  look  to  let  into  the  river,  as  des- 
cribed of  most  of  these  below. 

2d.  By  a  dam  placed  across  at  the  centre  of  the 
island,  and  a  canal  across  the  elbow,  formed  by  the 
bend  of  the  river  from  this  place,  with  a  lock  inland. 

3d.  By  a  dam  as  last  above  mentioned,  only  across 
the  western  branch  of  the  river,  and  a  river  lock,  assist- 
ed by  a  wing  dam  from  the  southerly  point  of  the  island, 
to  the  north  end  of  the  island,  which  stands  on  the  head 
of  the  rift,  and  which  forms  a  part  of  the  wing  dam  in 
the  occupation  of  Man 

or 

4th.  By  a  dam  thrown  across  the  river,  about  6  chains 
below  the  island,  when  the  river  is  compressed  to  about 
6  chains  width ;  at  this  place,  the  dam  would  stand  in 
about  9  feet  water. 

The  expense  attending  either  of  the  above  methods 
would  probably  be  the  same. 

Estimate,  on  1st  plan  only. 

Dam,  600 — deduct  for  assistance  gained 
from  the  position  of  the  island,  60,  is  540 
in  4  feet  water,  will  be  9  feet  high,  7,364 

Attaching  to  shores,  1 ,000 

Lock  5  feet  lift,  5,000 

Excavation  necessary  at  head  of  lift,  to 
construct  a  channel,  2.50  chs.  long,  30 
feet  wide,  1.50  deep  in  rock,  275  yds. 
at  $  1   25  per  yard.  348  75 

13,712  75 
Guard  lock,  6  feet  high,  3,200  00 

$16,912  95 
No.  5.  From  foot  of  Oswego  Falls  rapid,  extends  to 
James  Lyons' wharf,  above  the  falls — ascent  4I.03|^. 


(     412     ) 

To  surmount  this  rapid  and  falls,  it  will  be  found  ne- 
cessary to  place  a  lock  at  or  near  the  foot  of  the  rapids, 
of  1 3  feet  lift ;  from  which  a  canal  may  be  constructed 
to  Falley's  mill  pond — distance  chains  105.50.  Of  this 
distance  25  chains  demand  a  cutting  equal  to  7  feet, 
partly  in  very  steep  side  lying  ground,  and  the  remain- 
der 80.50  ch.  cutting  may  call  for  an  average  of  3^  feet. 

Estimate  of  first  part  of  section  5. 

Lock,  13  feet  lift,  13,000 

Canal,  25  chains,  7  feet  cutting, 

16,479  yds.  at  18  cts.  2,966 

Do.  80.50  3.50  do.  19.900  do.  14  do.  2,786 
Guard  lock  and  gate,  at  Falley's, 

4  feet  high,  2,134 


1  Lock  at  or  near  Falley's  pond, 
10  feet  lift, 

1  do.  do.  do.  free  stone  quar- 
ry, 10  feet  lift, 

1  do.    do.  do,   foot  of  Falls,  8.9     28,090 

Side  wall  next  to  bank  which  will 
be  necessary  to  build,  wdthin 
which  canal  must  be  construct- 
ed— average  thickness,  6  {eet ; 
height,  13  feet;  length,  53  chns. 
312  perches  pr.  chain,  at  ;^1  pr. 
perch,  16,536 

Embankment  within  and  on  the 
same,  estimated  at  350  cubic 
yds.  pr.  ch.  18,550  yds.  at  25,         4,637 


20,886 


Wing  dam,  above  the  falls,  to  se- 
cure a  permanent  level,  8  chs. 
long,  at  ^300  per  chain,  24,000 

Guard  gate  and  lock,  6  feet  high,       3,200 
2  road  bridges,  300 


49,263 


2,750 
72,899 


(     413     ) 

There  will  be  several  places  wh^re 
locks  are  placed  on  rifts,  at  which 
excavation  of  rock  would  be  ne- 
cessary to  form  a  boat  channel,  as 
at  Braddock's  rift,  which  cannot 
probably  be  done  for  less  than  1 ,000 

Summary  of  Estimates. 

Section  No.  1—44,560, 

2—48,286, 

3—47,808, 

1—16,912, 

5_73,899,— Total  amount,       231,465  91 
To  which  add,  for  incidental  charges,  10 

per  cent.  23,146  50 


^254,612  41 
There  is  another  made  of  improving  the  navigation 
of  this  river,  which  may  be  fallen  on,  which  would  be 
to  make  all  the  locks  in  land,  the  dams  on  the  heads  of 
the  rifts,  and  in  all  cases  construct  your  canal  in  the 
bank  of  the  river.  This  mode  might  possess  some  ad- 
vantages which  the  other  does  not — amongst  which  are 
the  fisheries,  and  the  uninterrupted  navigation  of  the 
river  by  rafts,  in  flood  tides,  and  the  lowness  of  the 
dams.  These  are  countervailed  by  the  arduous  na- 
ture and  processof  excavation, in  every  side  lying  banks, 
often  times  almost  perpendicular,  and  often  times  rising 
above  the  level,  40  50  and  60  feet.  The  expense  of 
this  mode  would  be  much  greater  than  that  of  the  fore- 
going. In  all  places  where  the  ^^first  method  w  ould  ad- 
mit of  it.  I  have  made  calculations  on  improving  by 
the  assistance  of  short  canals,  which  lessen  the  ex- 
pense in  such  places ;  but  in  every  other  adjoining, 
the  expense  would  be  greatly  increased.  But  it  ap- 
pears to  me,  that  the  most  judicious  mode  of  making 
a  navigable  communication  from  Oswego  to  Oswego 
Falls  is,  to  construct  a  canal  through  the  county,  on  one 
side  or  the  other  of  the  river,  taking  the  level  of  the 
falls  for  the  basis  of  the  work. 


(    414     ) 

In  doing  this,  I  think  the  priifie  difficulty  will  be  to 
get  separated  from  the  river.  This  circumstance,though 
arduous,  is  not  insurmountable,  ft  may  be  done  by  a 
mound  of  stone  work  and  embankment  against  the  bank 
of  the  river,  keeping  up  to  the  level  of  the  water  above 
the  falls,  till  we  arrive  at  a  point  near  Falley's  Pond, 
say  about  six  chains  south  of  it,  from  whence  we  may 
take  the  natural  ground,  embracing  any  cutting  which 
may  be  thought  best.— From  this  point,  and  on  this 
summit,  the  neighbourhood  of  Oswego  village  may  be 
attained,  near  to  which  it  will  be  necessary  to  drop 
down  three  locks,  of  ten  or  eleven  feet  lift.  Being  fully 
of  opinion  that  this  course  is  practicable,  I  beg  leave  to 
present  you  a  probable  result  of  the  undertaking. 
Stone  wall  and  bulwark  from  falls,  52  chains, 

at  ^530  per  27,560 

Embankment  of  earth  on  and  within  wall, 

1,100  yds.  pr.  ch.  57,200  yds.  at  -^||  per  yd.     14,300 
Wing  wall  above  falls,  2.400 

Guard  lock,  6  feet  high,  3,200 

Excavation,  say,  11  miles,  3  1-2  feet  cutting, 
supposing  a  canal  to  be  constructed  28  feet 
at  bottom ;  to  contain  4  feet  of  water,  and 
to  measure  40  feet  in  width  or  surface  of 
the  water,  217,333  y'ds.  at  14  cts.  is  30,426 

Embankment,  say  one  mile,  at  an  average  of 
one  foot  below  bottom,  61,461  cubic  y'ds. 
a,o'^th,  13,615 

G  rubbing,  1  -A  miles,  at  %  1 600  pr.  mile,  1 9,290 

Culverts,  say  6,  at  ^300  per  each,  1,800 

Road  bridges,  4,  at  ^50,  1,400 

Aqueduct  over  Black  creek,  stone  piers,  6,000 

Locks,  3  of  10  feet  lift,  30,000 

Fencing,  12  miles,  ^320  per  mile,  3,040 

Damages  to  owners  of  land,  (certainly  noth- 
ing j  but  say,  1,000 

154,741 
To  which  may  be  added  10  per  cent,  for 

contingent  expenditures,  15,474 

^170,215 — 


(    415    ) 

In  the  foregoing  estimate,  I  have  extended  the  im- 
provements to  within  about  80  rods  of  sloop  and 
schooner  navigation,  in  the  harbour  of  Oswego,  leave  it 
then  in  a  basin,  which  should  remain  until  time  shall 
demonstrate  the  propriety  of  locking  down  to  the  lake. 
The  remaining  lockage  will  be  71.45  feet,  which  can  be 
overcome  for  71,500  dollars. 

Having  given  such  examination,  &c.  of  the  position 
of  this  river,  below  the  falls,  permit  me  to  offer  the 
examination  from  the  falls  southward  to  the  Onondaga 
lake. 

From  Lyon's  wharf,  southwardly,  no  improvement  is 
necessary,  till  we  have  ascended  the  river  to  the  Horse- 
shoe rift,  5  miles  20  chains.  This  is  a  small  rapid,  in 
length  about  four  chains,  on  which  is  an  ascent  of  less 
than  6  inches.  This,  of  itself,  might  be  improved  for  a 
trifling  sum,  say  250  dollars,  by  cutting  through  the  bar 
in  such  manner  as  to  give  a  passage  for  boats  ;  but  it 
would  perhaps  be  policy  to  connect  the  improvements 
on  this  with  the  succeeding  rifts :  at  this  place  a  dam, 
including  all  necessary  land  work,  would  be  about  400 
feet  long,  and  if  built  10  feet  high,  would  cover  all  the 
rifts  north  of  Three  river  point.  The  only  objection 
which  presents  itself  to  this  course,  is  the  destruction  of 
about  300  acres  low  land,  which  would  be  flooded  by 
this  dam,  and  consequent  unhealthiness. 

Estimate. 

Dam,  400  feet  long,  14  feet  average  height,  8,484 
Lock,  10  feet  lift,  10,000 

Guard  walls  and  gate,  8  feet  high,  4,266 

Loss  of  land  by  floods,  1 ,200 

Incidental  expenditures,  at  10  per  cent.  2,305 


^26,345 

Should   the  objections  above  mentioned,  or  others, 

do  away  this   method   of  improving   these   rifts,  they 

might  be  improved  by  a  dam  at  foot  of  Smooth  rock, 

and  a  lock  of  about  4  feet  lift ;  and  a  dam  at  foot  of 


(    416    ) 

Three  river  rift,  with  a  lock  of  about  7  feet  lift,  each 
of  which  would  require  the  necessary  increase  of  walls, 
to  guard  against  floods.  If  the  difficulty  which  almost 
uniformly  presents  itself  along  this  stream,  of  depart- 
ing from  it,  did  not  prevent,  it  would  be  a  useful  plan 
to  dam  on  the  head  of  Knockemstiff  rift,  and  canal 
round  them  to  the  river  below  the  Horse-shoe,  a  dis- 
tance of  about  five  miles.  This,  could  it  be  done  by 
a  dam  of  three  feet  in  height,  would  supersede  the 
necessity  of  improvement  on  the  Gaston's  rifts,  which 
present  themselves  next  above  Drury's  bar. 

Drury's  bar  of  itself  hardly  presents  an  obstruction; 
but  should  improvements  below  not  do  away  the  small 
amount  of  evil  attending  it,  should  judge  that  a  pas- 
sage through  it  might  be  obtained  for  an  expense  of 
150  dollars. 

It  is  highly  probable  that  almost  any  mode  of  im- 
proving the  rifts  below  Three  river  point,  will  have  a 
particular  effect  on  the  Gastons  rift.  This  is  a  fall  of 
one  foot  95-100;  but  as  no  certain  calculation  can  be 
made  on  that  effect — will  estimate  on  the  common 
mode  of  dam  and  lock. 

Dam  500  feet  long,  8  feet   high,  40  feet  bar,  g! 4,848 
Lock  2  feet,  2,000 

Guard  lock,  3,200 


10,048 
The  next  and  last  improvement,  except  those  which 
may  be  made  to  connect  the  Salina  branch  with  Onon- 
daga lake,  is  the  outlet  of  the  Onondaga  lake—Distant 
from  Gaston's  rift,  6  miles.  This  outlet  now  affords 
about  14  inches  of  water,  and  is  a  continued  rapid 
from  the  Onondaga  lake,  through  two-thirds  of  itis 
length,  which  is  fifty-eight  chains.  The  ascent  through 
this  outlet  is  two  feet  and  twenty-three  hundredths. 
To  improve  this  part  of  the  navigation,  I  would  beg 
leave  to  propose  the  lowering  of  the  Onondaga  lake, 
to  a  level  with  the  surface  of  the  Seneca  river ;  this 
may  be  done  by  a  canal  cut  in  a  straight  direction  be- 
tween the  lake  and  river,  of  such  depth  as  to  hold  four 


(    417    ) 

feet  water;  this  would  give  an  average  of  cutting  of, 
six  feet  and  fifty  hundredths,  and  the  length  would  be 
about  fifty-three  or  fifty-four  chains. 

Estimate. 

Excavation,  .'ji  chains,  6.50  deep,  32.389  yds. 

I6cts.  5.181 

Grubbing  „         „     1 5  dols.  pr.  ch.  810 

5.991 

Estimate  by  dam  and  lock. 

Dam  200  feet  long,  2,182 

Lock  2i  feet  lift,  at  $  1 200  per  foot,  3,000 

Canal  4  feet  cutting,  54chs.  2,552 

Grubbing,  810 

8,514 
The  improvement  by  the  first  of  these  methods 
will  be  best,  on  several  accounts.  The  low  lands  round 
the  margin  of  this  lake,  will  be  in  some  measure  re- 
claimed by  the  process. — the  salt  springs  be  less  in- 
commoded with  fresh  water,  and  the  neighbourhood  of 
Salina  rendered  more  healthy.  There  are  those  who 
object  to  lowering  the  lake,  and  propose  to  improve  by 
scraping  out  the  present  channel ;  this  method  cannot 
avail  much,  as  the  channel  is  of  sufficient  width  to  draw 
off  the  lake,  and  therefore  all  that  is  taken  out  above 
the  level  of  Seneca  river,  will  not  probably  deepen  the 
water  in  the  channel  of  the  outlet. 

General  Estimate. 

From  Oswego  to  Oswego  falls,  by  dams 

and  locks,  ^254,612  41 

From  Oswego  falls  to  the  head  of  Gas- 
ton's rift,  36,393  00 
Outlet  of  Onondaga  lake,  8.514  00 


^209,519  41 


54 


(  418    ) 

Improvement  from  Oswego  to  Oswego 

falls  by  canal  and  locks,  170,215  00 

From  Falls  to  head  of  Gaston,  as  above,  36,393  00 

Outlet  of  Onondaga  lake,  5,991  00 

212,599  00 
Remarks. — I  have  found  the  general  depth  of  the 
still  water  in  the  Oswego  and  Seneca  rivers,  to  be 
7  to  9  feet  and  in  a  few  instances  10  feet  and  from  mea- 
surements taken  at  many  places.  I  find  the  spring  floods 
to  have  risen  6,  7  and  8  feet  above  the  water,  as  it  was 
when  I  took  the  necessary  examinations;  from  which 
has  arisen  the  charge  of  j^uard  locks  to  many  of  the 
dams  in  the  estimates.  I  also  found  that  the  water 
(flood)in  its  passage  down  the  rifts,  generally  did  not 
rise  to  that  height,  but  from  the  velocity  of  current  on 
these  inclined  planes,  and  in  some  instances  from  ex- 
panded surfaces,  the  rise  on  them  was  from  3  to  4  feet. 
The  effect  of  dams  at  the  foot  of  these  rapids,  and  on 
their  faces,  would  be  to  create  an  almost  equal  rise  of 
the  floods  on  the  whole  of  the  river,  which  I  have  esti- 
mated at  6  feet  as  the  lowestand  least  possible  gene- 
ral rise — yet  I  have  no  doubt  but  in  some  instances 
more  will  be  necessary,  The  depth  of  the  water  at 
the  head  of,  and  on  the  faces  of  the  several  rifts. 
is  1.50  2.  2.50  feet;  of  consequence,  in  many  places 
excavations  in  rock,  with  the  disadvantages  of  being 
under  water,  will  undoubtedly  be  necessary,  or  an  in- 
creased height  of  dam.  In  the  estimate  of  locks  on 
the  Oswego  falls  rift,  some  expense  might  probably  be 
saved  by  increasing  the  number  of  locks,  and  lessening 
the  quantum  of  lift;  this  measure  would  reduce  the 
height  and  length  of  the  the  side  walls.  In  my  esti- 
mate of  dams,  1  have  given,  a  computation  of  such 
as  I  conceived  to  be  most  permanent,  and  took  for  the 
basis  of  my  calculation,  the  dam  at  Oriskany,  enlarging 
mine  to  meet  some  of  the  contingencies  which  may  be- 
fal  them  from  a  vastly  greater  pressure  of  flood  than 
can  ever  force  itself  on  the  dam  on  that  stream;  but 
at  the  same  time,  am  well  assured  that  dams  of  a  less 


(     419     ) 

durable  fabric  may  be  built,  and  are  actually  erected 
under  the  auspices  of  mill  owners,  which  answer  the 
purposes  for  which  they  are  intended,  but  are  continu- 
ally calling  for  repairs  under  the  inspection  of  vigi- 
lant proprietors.  This  kind  of  dam  is  so  foreign  from 
the  idea  of  permanent  improvement,  that  I  shall  not 
trouble  you  with  an  estimate  of,  it. 

Should  the  river  navigation  require  a  towing  path 
to  be  constructed  on  the  bank,  the  additional  expense 
would  be  about  ten  hundred  dollars  per  mile,  or  in 
the  aggregate  12,000  dollars;  the  nature  and  situation 
of  the  banks  often  times  rising  almost  perpendicularly 
from  the  waters  edge  to  the  height  of  60  or  70  feet 
above  the  surface  of  the  water,  renders  the  project 
arduous ;  and  the  rise  of  the  floods  inconvenient,  for 
in  all  cases  it  must  be  at  least  6  feet  elevated  above 
common  water,  to  enable  the  navigator  to  avoid  the 
rise  of  the  above  described  spring  freshets. 

I  cannot  close  these  remarks,  without  giving  some 
information  relative  to  the  fisheries,  which  present 
themselves  on  the  rifts  of  both  rivers.  From  informa- 
tion, the  correctness  of  which  I  have  no  reason  to  doubt, 
the  weirs  and  fisheries  of  different  kinds  on  the  Oswego 
Falls  rift,  alone,  produce  about  1,000  barrels  of  eels 
annually,  independent  of  other  fish,  which  may  be 
estimated  at  half  that  quantity.  On  almost  all  the  rifts, 
there  are  more  or  less  of  these  devices  erected,  and  in 
the  proper  season,  kept  in  repair  and  closely  attended 
to.  The  price  of  a  barrel  of  eels,  at  its  lowest  estimate, 
is  ^10,  other  fish  are  probably  worth  more,  but  say  ten ; 
and  we  have  for  an  estimate,  fifteen  thousand  dollars  as 
the  produce  of  the  Oswego  Falls  rift,  this  rift  occupies 
a  length  of  a  little  more  than  two  miles ;  then  I  conceive 
that  it  will  not  be  an  aggravated  estimate,  to  say,  that 
all  the  remaining  rifts  will  produce  another  fifteen 
thousand  dollars.  The  nett  profits  arising  from  this 
branch  of  business,  I  have  no  means  of  calculating. 
Those  rifts  and  the  fisheries  erected  on  them,  except 
at  Oswego  Falls,  will  be  overwhelmed  by  the  process 
of  damming  and  locking  the  river,  and  many  who  now 


(      420     ) 

draw  much  of  their  support  from  that  source,  will  ip 
consequence  be  deprived  of  their  usual  means.  It  is 
said,  and  with  truth,  that  this  employment  is  not  of  the 
brilliant  national  use,  which  is  attached  to  agriculture, 
but  still  those  employed  in  it  are  citizens  and  men,  and 
fill  a  niche  in  the  general  estimate;  deprive  them  of  this 
resource,  and  they  will  not  become  husbandmen  ;  they 
will  remain  what  they  were — fishermen,  or  become 
something  worse.  They  have  elected  to  rake  the 
waters  for  their  supplies,  and  their  surplus,  they  barter 
with  the  farmer  for  their  bread,  who  is  glad  to  make  the 
exchange,  rather  than  break  in  upon  his  profession  to 
catch  fish. 

In  the  first  method  of  improving  Oswego  Falls,  the 
process  pointed  out  will  apply,  without  much  difference 
of  description  or  expense,  to  either  side.  The  canal 
proposed,  is  calculated  for  the  eastern  side  of  the  river. 
It  may  be  made  on  either  side ;  but  I  think  the  approach 
on  the  west  side,  to  the  harbor  of  Oswego,  somewhat 
more  difficult,  and  the  embankment  would  probably  be 
more  expensive. 

In  my  plans,  I  have  not  laid  down  any  part  of  the 
river  above  the  Oswego  Falls,  where  there  is  no  necessity 
of  improvement ;  having  pursued  this  course,  it  became 
difficult  to  draw  a  connecting  plan  of  the  outlet  of 
Onondaga  lake.  I  hope  that  no  disadvantage  will 
result  from  it. 

I  am  respectfully, 

Your  obd't.  servant. 

DAVID  S.  BATES. 
January  7,  ]  820, 


(    421     ) 
IN  ASSEMBLY,   FEB.  28,  1820. 


Report  Relative  to  Buffalo  Harbour. — To  the  Canal  Com- 
missioners. 

The  depth  of  water  in  Buffalo  creek  is  sufficient  for 
a  harbour.  In  taking  soundings  almost  up  to  the  ferry, 
(which  is  one  mile  from  the  entrance)  the  least  depth 
observed  was  1 1  feet,  and  this  only  in  two  places  ;  but 
the  common  depth  up  this  stream,  is  from  12  to  14  feet. 
About  50  rods  above  the  mouth  of  Little  Buffalo,  we 
found  17  feet,  and  a  few  rods  within  that  part  of  the 
entrance  which  is  obstructed  by  sand,  we  found  19  feet. 
No  injury  to  this  channel  need  be  apprehended  from 
depositions  of  either  sand  or  mud. 

The  breadth  of  this  creek,  just  above  little  Buffalo, 
is  full  16  rods ;  but  thirty  five  rods  above  the  breadth 
is  only  12  rods;  and  the  calculation  of  two  triangles, 
taken  further  up  the  stream  at  the  respective  distances 
of  forty  and  seventy  rods,  gave  no  material  difference. 
From  its  uniform  appearance,  we  deemed  it  unneces- 
sary to  make  any  further  examination  but  credible 
persons  assert  that  the  apparent  breadth  and  depth  of 
this  creek,  continue  for  more  than  two  miles. 

The  shore  is  bold,  and  very  little  of  the  channel  need 
be  occupied  by  wharves 

It  appears  that  after  freshets  in  this  stream,  the 
entrance  is  deepened  from  12  to  15  feet;  but  the  com- 
mon current  is  so  sluggish  as  to  permit  the  first  gale  to 
drive  sand  and  gravel  into  it,  from  the  south.  As  the 
obstruction  to  navigation  only  originates  from  this  sim- 
ple cause,  a  remedy  equally  simple,  will  be  sufficient, 
and  may  be  found  in  a  pier  or  mole,  as  heretofore  pro- 
posed by  Wm.  Peacock.  I  think  however,  that  both 
its  position  and  construction  should  be  different. 

I  would  propose  tc  coL^mence  it  at  the  light-house  be- 
cause there  is  no  firm  ground  further  north,  and  the 


(     422     ) 

work  ought  to  be  secured  in  the  rear.  Thus,  if  we  be- 
gan half  way  down  the  point,  (which  is  only  a  loose  bed 
of  sand  and  gravel,)  Buffalo  creek  might  break  through 
between  the  pier  and  the  light-house.  On  the  contrary, 
if  we  commence  it  above  that  building,  the  entrance  of 
the  creek  will  be  less  protected  from  northwesterly 
storms :  and  this  view  will  be  important,  whether  we 
consider  the  entering  of  vessels  or  the  drifting  of  sand 
into  the  channel.  It  appears  that  the  direction  of  the 
gale  shapes  the  gravel  point,  as  its  course  on  W.  Pea- 
cock's map,  varies  considerably  from  its  present  posi- 
tion. 

The  reason  given  for  locating  the  pier  above  the  light 
house,  was  founded  in  misapprehension.  There  is  no 
appearance  of  sand  or  gravel  having  ever  been  brought 
down  by  Buffalo  creek. 

In  respect  to  the  construction,  I  have  doubts  whe- 
ther loose  stone  in  a  pile,  would  withstand  the  violence 
of  the  lake.  A  gentleman  of  observation  made  the  fol- 
lowing remark,  in  reply  to  my  letter  : — From  many  ex- 
periments tried  at  this  place,  (Pultneyville.)  I  am  sat- 
isfied that  loose  stones  cannot  answer.  The  force  of 
the  waves  will  remove  them,  even  if  very  large  ;  and 
those  of  a  moderate  size  will  be  taken  several  rods  by 
the  under  toio.^^ 

One  disadvantage  of  employing  driven  piles,  is,  that 
the  top  must  be  as  wide  as  the  base.  The  quantity  of 
materials  to  construct  such  a  pier,  is  great  in  proportion 
to  the  strength,  for  the  waves  dash  with  great  violence 
against  a  perpendicular  wall,  but  where  they  strike  on 
a  slope,  the  force  is  neither  instantly  nor  wholly  applied. 
The  exposed  surface  of  the  timber  is  also  very  great, 
as  will  be  evident  from  an  estimate  of  all  the  pieces 
which  are  necessary  to  connect  the  piles  together ;  and 
though  the  sand  would  doubtless  accumulate  so  much 
as  to  protect  it  near  shore,  yet  much  of  the  western  ex- 
tremity must  decay  before  it  would  receive  that  support. 

Believing  these  objections  to  be  valid,  I  would  pro- 
pose that  the  pier  commence  at  the  light-house,  and 
extend  north  <70  west  (nearly  in  the  direction  of  Tow- 


(    423    ) 

son's  battery)  as  far  as  the  sand  lies  on  the  bottom, 
I  would  recommend  that  cribs  of  round  logs,  be  made 
to  occupy  the  whole  of  this  line,  which,  when  sunk 
(and  filled  with  gravel)  shall  only  reach  to  the  surface 
of  the  water.  At  the  surface,  the  width  should  be  ten 
feet,  and  the  base  one  foot  wider  for  every  foot  of  depth, 
the  slope  to  be  equal  on  both  sides.  On  the  top  of 
this  structure  I  would  recommend  cribs  of  similar  con- 
struction, but  of  good  white  oak,  the  sides  of  which 
should  contract  so  as  to  leave  only  an  opening  of  3  feet 
at  the  height  of  6  feet.  These  should  be  filled  with 
stone,  as  the  logs  are  laid,  and  connected  by  cross 
pieces,  which  being  covered  by  the  stone,  would  render 
the  fabric  immoveable.  Long  flat  stones  (which  may 
be  readily  procured)  should  rest  with  one  end  on  the 
upper  logs,  the  other  within  the  frame,  slanting  down- 
ward ;  and  large  round  stones  from  the  beach,  to  be 
moved  by  tackle, .  be  placed  partly  within  the  frame, 
like  the  key  stone  of  an  arch. 

The  advantage  of  having  a  footway  on  the  pier,  it  is 
believed  will  not  balance  the  expense. 

A  lamp  at  the  west  end  of  the  pier  would  be  very 
useful  to  vessels  entering  in  the  night ;  and  as  there 
would  be  smooth  water  within  the  pier,  it  would  al- 
ways be  easy  to  approach  it  in  a  skiff. 

In  constructing  the  larger  cribs,  two  logs  of  40  feet 
in  length  are  first  to  be  laid  parallel  on  the  water :  close 
to  each  end  of  these,  a  notch  is  to  be  cut  on  the  under 
side,  to  receive  two  small  logs,  thus  completing  the 
parallelogram.  Through  these  connecting  pieces,  and 
4  feet  from  the  middle  toward  the  ends,  holes  are  bored, 
into  which  iron  bolts,  long  enough  to  reach  from  the 
bottom  to  the  surface,  must  be  fastened.  As  the  logs 
will  easily  turn  in  the  notches,  the  bolts  can  be  laid 
down,  and  not  incommode  the  workmen. 

On  the  two  long  logs,  cross  ones  are  laid  close,  to 
form  a  floor,  and  the  building  constructed  in  the  usual 
manner,  excepting  the  slant,  though  partition  logs  in 
the  middle,  to  strengthen  the  frame,  should  not  be  omit- 
ted.     Green  timber,  being   so  nearly  of  the   speci- 


(     424     ) 

iic  gravity  of  water,  the  building,  as  it  progresses, 
will  rise  but  little  above  the  surface,  A  thick  layer 
of  brush  with  the  leaves  on,  covering  the  whole  floor, 
should  be  sunk ;  and  brush  of  the  same  description, 
should  be  placed  on  every  side  and  end  log,  which, 
when  pressed  down  by  each  upper  log,  will  render  the 
whole  sand-tight.  When  holes  are  bored  through  the 
two  last  end  logs,  the  bolts  are  raised,  passed  and 
keyed,  thus  confining  the  whole  frame  together.  Iron, 
under  water  in  lake  Erie,  is  not  injured  by  rust. 

As  soon  as  the  crib  is  thus  prepared,  and  brought  on 
the  spot  where  it  is  to  be  sunk,  (it  should  be  built  as 
near  as  possible,)  brush  and  gravel  are  filled  in,  in  al- 
ternate layers :  these  materials  may  be  procured  in 
the  greatest  abundance,  on  the  adjoining  shore. 

If  the  last  layer  be  of  brush,  pressed  down  by  the 
upper  crib,  the  sand  will  not  be  washed  out,  as  the 
brush  which  projects  inside  from  the  chinks,  bending 
down  by  the  weight  of  gravel,  will"  form  a  thick  coat- 
ing. As  the  lake  rises  with  every  gale,  in  proportion 
to  the  violence  will  be  the  depth  of  water  over  this  part 
of  the  pier.  The  greatest  rise  of  water  is  about  four 
feet. 

The  expense  of  this  construction  may  be  estimated, 
in  the  following  manner:  In  13  feet  water,  the  solid 
content  of  a  crib  would  be  8580  feet.  Deduct  890  for 
the  partition  logs  and  floor.  Then  7690  feet — 60  cords 
of  brush  and  gravel  at  $\  50  per  cord,  will — ^90. 

It  is  presumed  that  this  allowance  for  brush  and 
gravel,  will  be  ample  :  at  a  small  expense,  an  apparatus 
can  be  constructed  in  a  scow,  so  as  to  load  the  gravel 
from  the  beach,  and  to  unload  it  into  the  crib  by  horses 
and  scrapers. 

It  has  been  said  that  logs  will  cost  2  cents  a  foot  in 
length ;  but  I  consider  the  estimate  too  high,  and 
believe  that  it  might  be  obtained  for  one  cent  a  foot. 
Computing  these  logs  at  15  inches  diameter,  each  foot 
in  length  will  be  1.22  cubic:  105  feet  would  make  a 
cord,  and  ^1  05  be  the  price.  When  timber  in  this 
country  was  not  valued,  the  customary  price  of  firewood 


(     425     ) 

was  1^1  per  cord,  though  it  was  drawn  two  miles,  but  in 
these  logs,  much  cutting,  necessary  in  cord  wood,  is 
saved,  and  all  the  labour  of  cording. 

Assuming  that  each  log,  with  the  chink,  will  raise 
the  sides  1 8  inches,  we  will  have  for  both  sides,  1 8  logs, 
40  feet  long — 720.  For  the  ends  and  middle,  2i  logs, 
averaging  16-1-  feet  in  length ;  2()  logs,  2.3  feet  long,  for 
the  floor;  the  two  bottom  logs,  which  will  probably 
settle  in  the  sand,  with  the  two  bolt  pieces. 
In  all,  1840  feet.  $lli  40 

Bolt  iron,  56  ft.  in  length,  1 0 

Labour  of  building  the  crib,  common 

ax-men  only  being  required,  10 

Filling  with  gravel,  as  above,  90 

^128  40 

The  upper  part  of  the  pier  will  require  a  separate 
calculation. 

8  logs  for  the  sides,  each  40  feet  long,  320 
20  cross  logs,  average  8  feet  long,  160 


480—^4  80 
The  labout,  no  bolts  required,  5 

The  solid  content  of  this  part,  calling  the  perpen- 
dicular height  8  feet,  will  be  1600,  which  (deducting 
nothing  for   cross  pieces) — 121^  cords  at  $'3  —  37. .30. 

Stone  of  a  good  shape  may  be  procured  at  the  reefs, 
(which  lie  towards  Fqtrt  Erie,)  more  easily  than  at 
Bird  Island,  as  the  distance  as  well  as  the  current,  is 
considerably  less.  Stone  may  also  be  got  from  the 
beach  about  two  miles  up  the  lake.  It  is  deemed  that 
$3  per  cord  is  a  suffirient  allowance,  as  the  high  prices 
heretofore  obtained  at  Buffalo,  for  materials  and  la- 
bour, is  nearly  at  a  close.  An  allowance  for  placing 
the  upper  stones,  however,  would  be  proper,  and  the 
whole  expense  of  this  part  may  be  estimated  at  f^50 
for  40  feet  of  pier  in  length. 

The  average  depth  of  the  soundings,  taken  by  or- 
der of  Joseph  Ellicott,  *very  near  this  line,  was  7  feet. 
From  several  calculations  of  the  expense  of  construct- 
ing such  a  pier,  in  water  of  difTerent   depths,  I  found 

5.5 


(    426    ) 

the   increase  or  decrease  not  to  vary  more  than  from 
25  to  30  cents  a  foot. 

The  estimate  made  of  7  feet  Water  may,   therefore  be 
taken  as  the  average  ••  Thus 

Solid  content  of  the  crib,  3780  feet 

Deduct  for  partition  and  floor.  605        re- 

mains 3175  say  25  cords,  at  $1  50,  ^37  50 

The  side  logs,  (as  the  bottom  will  raise  it  one 
foot)  will  be  8  of  40  ft.  ^3  20 

The  floor  of  26  logs,  in  17  ft.  long,  4  42 

For  the  ends  and  partition,  12  logs-,  13^^ 

leet  long,  1   62 

Bottom  log,  with  cross  pieces.  1   14 

In  all,  10,  38  ^10  38 

Iron  bolts,  6 

Labour  of  building,  6 

59  88 
Add  for  the  upper  story,  including  the  filling,      50 

Call  the  amount  ^1 10  for  40  feet,  and  we  have  $2  75 
per  foot  for  the  average. 

The  pier  ought  to  extend  1150  feet--g;3l62  50,  with- 
out any  estimate  for  superintendence,  which,  with  the 
proper  allowance  for  contingencies,  is  submitted  to  the 
consideration  of  the  commissioners. 

It  is  very  important  that  the  cross  logs  of  the  upper 
frame  be  variously  placed,  so  that  no  one  be  placed 
immediately  over  another,  in  order  that  the  stones 
may  lie  on  these  pieces,  and  render  the  whole  immove- 
able. 

If  doubts  of  the  permanence  of  this  part  should  arise, 
more  cross  timbers  on  the  first  log  may  be  added,  and 
by  plank  or  small  timbers  on  these,  the  whole  weight 
of  stone  may  be  applied.  The  top  cross  pieces,  at  the 
ends  of  the  frame,  may  also  be  fastened  by  upright 
scantling  to  the  partition  logs  of  the  lower  story ;  but 
without  this,  I  think  it  will  be  sufiiciently  fixed. 

No  injury  to  the  pier  from  ice  is  apprehended: 
loose  ice  in  great  quantities  is  collected  near  the  shore. 


(    427     ) 

but  the  force  of  the  waves  in  jjeavy  gales,  extends  but 
a  short  distance  among  these  floating  blocks. 

The  current  of  the  lake  west  af  Buffalo  creek,  has 
been  estimated  from  1|^  to  2  miles  an  hour. 

1  also  received  the  following  propositions : 

1.  To  make  the  harbour  at  Black  Rock.  For  this  pur- 
pose, it  was  proposed  to  erect  a  dam  across  that  part 
of  the  Nifigara  river,  which  flows  on  the  side  of  Squaw- 
island.  The  breadth  is  estimated  at  80  rods,  and  the 
depth  at  12  feet.  As  this  island  is  low,  an  ambankment 
would  be  necessary  the  whole  length ;  and  at  its  upper 
point,  a  pier  was  proposed,  to  extend  about  30*  rods 
from  the  east  shore,  up  into  lake  Erie.  The  whole 
length  of  this  work  would  be  about  a  mile  and  a  half. 

In  gales  of  great  violence,  it  would  be  much  easier 
for  the  vessels  to  enter  this  harbour,  than  the  proposed 
one  at  Buffalo.  The  objections  which  arise  to  this  plan, 
however,  are  not  trivial.  The  expense  alone,  in  the 
present  state  of  things,  would  be  sufficient  to  discou- 
rage the  attempt ;  for  as  the  descent  of  water  in  this 
distance  is  not  less  than  4  feet  10  inches,  we  would 
have  nearly  17  feet  for  the  height  of  the  dam,  which, 
together  with  the  pier,  should  be  water  tight,  so  as  to 
overcome  the  rapids  at  Black  Rock. 

The  general  current  of  the  winds  is  down  the  lake, 
which  vessels  ready  to  sail  almost  continually  experi- 
ence ;  and  the  narrowness  of  the  channel  would  prevent 
them  from  beating  against  it. 

In  case  of  hostilities  with  the  British,  so  long  as  they 
possess  the  opposite  shore,  this  harbour  would  be  use- 
less. A  retrospect  of  the  last  war  will  show  that  this 
objection  is  not  frivolous  ;  and,  however  much  we  may 
deprecate  such  a  state,  the  possibility  will  continue  to 
exist. 

It  is  also  asserted  by  creditable  persons  who  have 
long  resided  near  the  spot,  that  no  pier  could  be  made 
to  withstand  the  ice  a  single  season ;  and  when  we  re- 
flect that  it  comes  into  the  river  in  large  masses,  down 
which  it  is  impetuously  hurried,  we  may  well  admit  the 
danger. 


■^ 


(    428    ) 

By  this  plan,  however,,  it  was  proposed  to  shorten 
the  canal,  and  render  a,nf  further  excavation  unneces- 
sary. 

2.  To  form  a  Harbour  in  the  Lake,  where  the  main 
street  of  Buffalo,  intersects  the  beach. 

It  was  proposed  to  build  a  pier  in  a  westerly  direc- 
tion, until  as  ufficient  depth  of  Mater  was  attained,  and 
then  to  extend  it  northerly,  nearly  parallel  to  the  shore. 

At  20  rods  from  shore,  about  8  feet  water  has  been 
found,  but  to  give  sulficient  room,  three  times  that  dis- 
tance,was  mentioned. 

I  have  not  discovered  any  advantage  in  this  plan. 
The  expense  must  be  much  greater  than  to  shelter  the 
entrance  of  Buffalo  creek;  neither  do  I  consider  the 
low  ground  near  that  place,  an  eligible  site  for  a  dense 
population. 

3.  To  excavate  the  neck  of  land  near  the  ferry,  and  enter 
Bnffulo  creeJc  from  the  lake  along  the  slip. 

In  adopting  this,  we  should  neglect  every  natural  ad- 
vantage, and  incur  great  and  unnecessary  expense. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

1  subjoin  an  estimate  of  the  expense  of  constructing 
the  pier,  in  w  hich  an  increase  of  price  is  assumed  for 
such  items  as  may  possibly  require  it. 

W.  Peacock's  price  for  brush  was  %  1   per  cord ;    If 
half  the  lower  story  be  filled  with  this,  we  have  %2  per 
cord  for  gravel — to  43  cents  per  cubic  yard.     No  in- 
crease required. 
For  the  lower  story — 

25  cords  of  brush  and  gravel, 

1038  feet  of  logs  at  1^  cents, 

Iron, 

Labour, 
For  the  upper  story, 

\'2\  cords  of  stone  at  ^4, 

480  feet  of  logs,  at  2  cents. 

Labour, 

40)137   10 


;gS37 

50 

15 

50 

6 

11 

50 

9 

60 

7 

50 

(    429    ) 

Average  per  foot  in  length  j§3  42 

Then  1150  feet  at  $3  42  ;^3,933 

Allow  for  securing  the  line  on  the 
beach,  between  the  light  house 
and  the  lake,  67 


And  the  whole  expense  of  the  pier, 

excepting  superintendence,  1^4000 

The  enclosed  sketch  is  copied  from  W.  Peacock's 

map,  and  will  show  the  two  different  sites  on  which  it 

has  been  p^:oposed  to  erect  the  pier. 

DAVID  THOMAS, 
10  mo.  15,  1819. 


JInnual  Report  of  the  Canal  Commissioners  of  the  State  of 
JVew-York,  presented  to  the  Legislature,  12th  March^ 
1821. 


To  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  JYew-  York,  pursuant  to 
the  act,  entitled,  "  Jin  act  respecting  navigable  communica- 
tions, between  the  great  Western  and  JYorthern  Lakes,  and 
the  Atlantic  Ocean,''''  passed  April  1 5th,  1817  the  Canal 
Commissioners  most  respectfully  * 

Report  ; — 

That  the  construction  of  the  great  works  submitted 
to  their  superintendence,  has  advanced,  during  the  past 
season^  with  greater  economy  than  any  antecedent  ex- 
perience had  led  them  to  expect.  The  want  of  money 
in  the  country,  and  the  growing  reputation  of  the  un- 
dertakings, have  greatly  increased  the  number  of  res- 
ponsible competitors  for  contracts;  of  which  the  natural 
effect  has  been,  a  reduction,  in  the  price  of  almost  every 
kind  of  labour  required  on  the  canals ;  And  this  effect 
has  been  further  promoted,  by  the  abundant  stores  of 
grain  and  provisions,  in  the  interior  of  the  state,  for 
which  there  has  been  no  foreign  demand. 


(    430    ) 

While  the  labour  of  opening,  both  the  Eastern  and 
Western  sections  of  the  Erie  canal,  has  been  prosecut- 
ed, with  undiminished  energy,  and,  under  contracts  re- 
duced from  thirty  to  forty  per  cent,  below  former  prices, 
the  Canal  Commissioners,  since  their  last  report,  have 
had  new  and  more  minute  surveys  extended  through 
nearly  all  the  country,  between  the  Genesee  river  and 
Lake  Erie,  and  between  Utica  and  the  Hudson,  with  a 
view  to  the  most  eligible  establishment  of  the  canal 
route.  The  surveys,  made  in  the  year  1816,  by  En- 
gineers Geddes  and  Peacock,  furnished  us  with  a  full 
conviction  of  the  practicability  of  effecting  a  navigable 
communication,  between  Lake  Erie  and  the  Genesee 
river,  and  enabled  us  to  form  a  probable  estimate  of  the 
expense.  But  those  surveys  indicated  two  passages, 
through  either  of  which  the  canal  might  be  carried, 
leaving  it  to  be  determined,  by  subsequent  more  par- 
ticular examinations,  which  of  the  two  should  be  pre- 
ferred. 

The  most  southerly  of  these  passages,  had  the  ad- 
vantage, of  a  location  more  through  the  centre  of  our 
western  settlements — of  being  several  miles  shorter — 
and  requiring  less  expenditure,  in  the  construction  of 
the  canal,  than  the  other,  according  to  our  estimates, 
of  upwards  of  ^300,000.  But  pursuing  that  passage 
the  canal  must  be  raised  about  seventy-five  feet  above 
the  surface  of  Lake  Erie,  which  would,  of  course,  de- 
prive us  of  feeding  it,  with  water,  from  that  inexhaustible 
source.  And  a  fear  was  entertained,  from  the  begin- 
ning, of  an  ultimate  deficiency  of  water,  in  that  passage, 
if  it  should  be  adopted.  For  the  purpose  of  ascertain- 
ing, whether  such  a  fear  w^as  groundless  or  not,  we 
have  had  the  various  springs  and  streams,  which  might 
be  conducted  into  the  summit  level  of  the  canal,  on 
that  route,  guaged ;  and  have  considered  the  surface 
and  character  of  the  country,  from  which  the  rains 
would  naturally  drain  into  that  level.  And  the  result 
has  been  a  unanimous  conviction,  in  our  minds,  that  the 
fear  is  but  too  well  grounded. 

The  estimates  of  water  to  be  obtained,  in  the  present 


(    431     ) 

condition  of  the  country,  for  that  summit  level,  if  it 
could  be  all  saved,  does  not  appear  deficient;  and 
these  estimates  were  made,  upon  the  state  of  the  wa- 
ters, in  a  period  of  drought.  But,  since  the  Middle 
Section  of  the  canal  has  been  filled,  we  have  found, 
that  more  water  has  been  wasted,  in  it,  by  evaporation, 
soakage,  and  leakage,  than  we  had  anticipated.  And 
this  discovery  we  deem,  ia  itself,  sufficient  to  settle  the 
question,  between  the  two  routes.  But  there  are  other 
considerations,  by  no  means  to  be  overlooked,  in  rela- 
tion to  this  question. 

The  country  from  which  water  may  be  had,  for  the 
southern  route,  rises  as  it  stretches  south  of  the  canal, 
but  very  gently,  and  the  distance  is  not  far,  before  it  has 
a  greater  declivity,  in  other  directions,  than  towards 
the  canal :  and  much  of  it  is  yet  uncleared.  Now  all 
experierce  shows,  that  it  would  be  unsafe  to  calculate, 
that  the  springs  and  streams  of  a  new  country,  will  not 
grow  more  penurious  of  their  waters  in  proportion  as 
'  the  forests  are  felled  and  removed,  and  the  earth  is  sub- 
jected to  cultivation. 

The  vegetable  matter,  which  constitutes  the  soil,  of  all 
lands  thickly  covered  with  wood  in  their  natural  state 
operates,  like  a  sponge,  to  retain  the  waters  with  which 
it  may  be  filled ;  and  the  surplus  waters,  which  may 
fall  upon  such  lands,  collect,  in  the  natural  basins  up- 
on their  surface,  serving  as  reservoirs  for  the  numerous 
Springs,  which  break  out  below;  or  they  slowly  pass  off 
in  streams  obstructed  by  trunks  of  trees,  and  other  ru- 
ins of  the  forest.  But  when  the  hand  of  vigorous  and 
judicious  agriculture  is  once  introduced,  the  aspect  of 
such  lands,  is  very  soon  altered.  The  quantity  of  wa- 
ter retained  upon  the  surface  is  diminished, — by  letting 
in  the  sun  upon  the  soil, — by  draining  the  swamps, — - 
and  by  removing  the  obstructions  from  the  streams. 
With  the  progress  of  cultivation  many  springs  wholly 
disappear,  others  are  esentially  lessened,  and  the  larger 
streams  become  little  brooks ;  except  during  the  actual 
continuance  of  a  great  thaw  or  a  heavy  rain.  When- 
ever these   occur,  the  floods  are  rendered  greater  by 


(    432    ) 

cultivation,  than  they  were  before;  because  much  less 
water  is  absorbed,  bj  the  surface  of  cleared  fields  than 
of  wood  lands  in  their  natural  state  :  and,  because  all 
the  water  not  absorbed,  finds  a  much  less  impeded 
passage,  into  the  channels  of  the  streams.  But  if  the 
waters  rise,  suddenly,  on  such  occasions,  in  the  streams 
of  a  cultivated  country,  they  as  soon  subside.  And 
many  a  farm  in  our  state,  which  to  the  new  settler,  when 
he  first  took  possession  of  it,  appeared  objectionable 
for  being  too  wet  for  his  purposes,  an  experience  of 
twenty  years  has  shown  to  be  much  more  objectiona- 
ble for  being  too  dry 

Impressed  with  these  considerations,  we  have  con- 
eluded  that  prudence  would  not  permit  us  to  adopt 
any  route  west  of  the  Genesee  river,  which  should  rise 
above  the  level  of  Lake  Erie.  The  most  northerly 
route  indicated,  on  the  engraved  map  of  i  817,  does  not 
rise  above  that  level.  To  that  route,  therefore,  during 
the  last  year,  our  attention  has  been  specially  directed. 
And  we. have  constantly  employed  David  Thomas  as 
engineer,  with  all  the  necessary  assistants,  upon  it,  from 
May  to  late  in  November.  The  results  of  the  exami- 
nation made  by  this  party,  have  been  much  to  our  gra- 
tification, for  they  have  confirmed  our  former  most  fa- 
vourable impressions,  after  having  been  produced  with 
great  care,  diligence,  and  skill 

The  survey  of  Mr.  Thomas  has  been  extended,  from 
Genesee  river  to  the  Tonnewanta  creek,  a  distance  of 
a  little  more  than  seventy-two  miles,  including  the  deep 
cutting,  through  the  Mountain  ridge.  And  throughout 
this  survey,  the  face  of  the  country,— the  nature  of  the 
earth  to  be  excavated,  and  the  character  of  the  streams 
to  be  passed,  are  all  so  well  understood,  that  the  canal- 
line  may  be  speedily  prepared  for  the  contractor. 

From  the  Genesee  river  easterly,  there  are  fifty-one 
miles  and  a  quarter,  of  the  canal  line,  either  completed, 
or  under  contract,  including  the  whole  distance  from, 
that  river  to  Montezuma,  except  about  nine  miles. 
These  nine  miles  have  not  heretofore  been  placed  in  a 
condition  to  be  opened,  because  the   appropriations 


(    433    ) 

would  not  warrant  entering  into  engagements  with  con- 
tractors for  the  whole  distance  between  Rochester  and 
Montezuma,  and  because  there  is  now,  contiguous  to 
these  nine  miles,  nearest  the  latter  place,  and  extending 
from  near  one  end  of  them  to  the  other,  a  circuitous 
and  imperfect  navigation  by  means  of  the  Canandaigua 
outlet  and  the  Seneca  river.  With  the  ample  ap- 
propriations made  at  the  present  session  of  the  Legisla- 
ture, it  will  be  the  duty  of  the  Canal  Commissioners  to 
complete  the  canal  through  these  nine  miles,  with  all 
possible  despatch. 

In  the  fifty-one  miles  and  a  quarter,  of  the  canal'  line 
above  mentioned,  there  have  been  two  important  devia- 
tions from  the  route,  which  was  traced  in  1816,  both  of 
which  are  deemed  improvements.  One  of  them  is  in 
the  place  of  crossing  the  valley  of  the  Irondequot  creek. 
Here  it  was  found,  that  instead  of  establishing  the  line, 
so  as  to  require  an  embankment  twenty  chains  long,  on 
the  top,  and  sixty-five  feet,  in  height,  from  the  bottom 
of  the  valley,  it  might  be  so  located,  by  carrying  it  a 
little  further  north,  as  to  divide  this  great  embankment, 
into  two  parts,  both  of  which,  would  not  contain  more 
cubic  yards,  than  the  one  required,  on  the  first  route 
And,  as  the  earth  in  this  vicinity  consists  too  exclusively 
of  sand  and  gravel  to  be  well  adapted  to  embankments, 
this  division  was  thought  judicious,  and  the  new  line 
was  adopted.  But  since  its  adoption,  instead  of  the 
largest  of  the  two  embankments,  we  have  concluded  to 
substitute  an  aqueduct  of  wood.  It  was  found,  by 
calculation,  that  the  construction  of  this  embankment 
would  involve  the  expenditure  of  a  capital  so  large, 
that  the  interest  of  it  would  exceed  the  sum  required  to 
complete  the  aqueduct  together  with  the  interest 
thereon,  computing  the  interest,  in  both  cases,  for  the 
probable  duration  of  the  aqueduct.  Economy,  there- 
fore, induced  us  to  make  the  substitute.  We  had, 
however,  a  strong  additional  inducement  to  the  course, 
which  we  adopted ;  and  this  was,  the  safety  of  the  work 
after  its  completion.  It  has  already  been  mentioned 
that  the  quality  of  the  earth  near  the  embankment  is 

56 


(      434     ) 

not  fit  for  use,  in  it.  When,  by  means  of  the  aqueduct, 
the  canal  is  rendered  navigable,  good  earth  for  the 
embankment,  may  be  economically  brought  from  a 
distance,  in  boats ;  and  the  embankment  may  be  con- 
structed of  such  materials  as  will  be  safe,  and  at  the 
same  time  raised  and  completed  in  such  a  way  as  to 
cause  no  interruption  in  the  use  of  the  canal,  by  the 
removal  of  the  aqueduct. 

The  other  alteration  consists,  in  carrying  the  canal 
line  south  of  mud-creek,  from  a  point  a  little  west  of 
Palmyra  village,  to  a  point  a  little  west  of  the  village 
of  Lyons,  the  distance,  between  these  two  points  being 
about  fourteen  miles.  The  line,  as  explored  in  1816, 
was  all  the  way  on  the  north  side  of  this  creek.  But 
the  new  route  is  recommended,  by  its  shortening  the 
length  of  the  canal  two  miles  and  fifty-two  chains,  by 
its  being  less  expensive,  and  by  its  passing  through 
earth  more  suitable  for  ensuring  the  canal  against  in- 
jurious accidents,  when  it  shall  be  filled  with  water. 
This  new  route  was  examined,  and  found  eligible,  by 
Nathan  S.  Roberts,  Esquire,  one  of  our  Resident  Engi- 
neers, whose  vigilance  and  industry  deserves  much 
praise  ;  though  in  justice  to  the  sagacity  of  Judge  Ged- 
des,  the  Engineer  who  explored  the  western  section  of 
the  Erie  canal,  with  so  much  perseverance  and  good 
judgement,  in  1816,  it  ought  not  to  be  forgotten,  that  he 
suggested  the  propriety  of  surveying  this  new  route. 

The  contracts  west  of  the  Middle  section,  besides 
grubbing  and  clearing,  excavation,  embankment  and 
fencing,  provide  for  the  construction  of  the  following 
more  artificial  works,  to  wit : — 

Fifteen  locks  of  various  lifts,  but  which,  in  the  aggregate 
furnish  the  means  of  ascending  or  descending,  one 
hundred  and  eighteen  feet.  One  of  these  locks  is 
nearly  completed  in  the  handsomest  and  most  sub- 
stantial manner;  and  the  materials  for  all  the  others 
are  now  chiefly  procured  and  delivered  : — 
Twenty  stone  culverts,  of  different  sizes,  all  to  be  arched 
and  placed  upon  permanent  foundations,  and  more 


M 


(    435    ) 

than  half  of  which  are  now  finished  with  great  solid- 
ity and  beauty : — 
Five  aqueducts,  of  which  one  is  to  cross  Mud  creek,  near 
Lyons,  and  to  be  constructed  entirely  of  stone,  with 
three  arches  of  thirty  feet  span  each,  one  is  to  cross 
the  same  creek  near  Palmyra,  and  to  be  constructed 
of  stone  abutments  and  piers,  with  a  wooden  trunk 
resting  upon  them  ;  two  are  to  cross  the  valley  of 
Irondequot  creek,  and  a  narrow  ridge  adjacent  there- 
to these  two  being  to  be  built  exclusively  ofwood,  and 
to  extend,  in  the  aggregate,  a  length  of  1350  feet  ;- 
and  one  is  to  cross  Black  brook,  in  the  town  of  Ga- 
len, and  to  consist  of  stone  abutments  supporting  a 
wooden  trunk.  The  foundations  of  these  aqueducts 
are  in  considerable  forwardness,  and  most  of  the  ma- 
terials, for  their  completion,  are  delivered  ; — 
Forty  road-bridges  and  a  smaller  number  of  Occupation- 
bridges.  About  half  of  these  bridges  are  erected, 
and  all  of  them  which  have  been  contracted  for,  du- 
ring the  last  season,  are  required  to  be  six  inches 
higher  above  the  top  water  line,  and  to  be  made 
eight  feet  wider,  between  their  abutments,  than 
those  were,  which  had  been  previously  built,  on  the 
Middle  section. 

All  the  above  contracts  have  been  prosecuted  with 
great  zeal  and  success,  insomuch  that  in  the  aggre- 
gate the  fifty-one  miles  and  a  quarter,  are  more  than 
half  done;  and  nine  miles  have  been -in  such  condition, 
as  to  allow  of  an  experimental  admission  of  water. 
A  large  part  of  this  extent  runs  through  the  sands  of 
Perrinton  and  Pittsford,  where  we  have  always  had  a 
great  apprehension  of  difficulty,  by  leaks  and  breaches. 
Through  these  sands  we  had  taken  the  precaution  to 
have  the  banks  made  much  thicker  than  usual,  and 
w^ith  a  greater  slope ;  and  the  efiects  of  admitting 
the  water,  to  the  depth  of  about  two  feet,  have  been 
satisfactory   and   encouraging. 

Having  adopted  that  route,  for  the  canal,  which,  at 
every  departure  from  the  level  of  lake  Erie,  in  its  pro- 
gress eastward,  will  descend,  till  it  reaches  the  Seneca 


(  436    ) 

river,  we  entertain  no  doubt  of  an  abundant  and  perma 
nent  supply  of  water,  for  every  part  of  the  canal  line. 
But,  in  order  to  provide  against  any  possibility  of  dan- 
ger, on  this  subject,  it  is  intended  to  construct  the  ca- 
nal, through  the  dry  region,  between  the  locks,  at  the 
Mountain  ridge,  and  the  Genesee  river,  with  a  descent 
towards  the  east,  of  one  or  two  inches,  in  every  mile; 
the  necessary  effect  of  which  will  be,  to  save  the  ex- 
pense of  at  least  one  lock,  and  to  induce  a  current,  of 
so  much  water  from  Lake  Erie,  towards  the  east,  as  will 
leave  but  little  to  be  required  from  the  Genesee  river : 
and  this  little  may  be  still  reduced,  if  it  shall  ever  become 
expedient,  by  a  feeder  from  the  Irondequot  creek,  a 
copious  and  equable  stream,  which  it  was  formerly 
supposed  could  not  be  drawn  upon,  for  the  canal,  but 
which,  by  the  enterprising  zeal  of  David  S  Bates,  Es- 
qyire  one  of  our  Resident  Engineers,  has  been  found 
capable  of  being  taken  into  it,  at  Pittsford,  near  the 
west  end  of  a  level,  about  thirteen  miles  in  length. 
From  this  level  eastward,  there  might  be  obtained  a 
sufficient  supply  of  water,  from  the  Canadaigua  Lake, 
Mud  creek,  and  several  other  sources,  for  all  the  de- 
mands of  the  canal,  if  the  Genesee  river  were  annihi- 
lated. 

On  the  middle  section  of  the  canal,  we  have  placed 
mile-boards,  duly  painted  and  numbered,  from  one  end 
to  the  other.  And  the  whole  length  of  it,  as  measured 
from  Genesee-street,  in  the  village  of  Utica,  to  the 
lock,  which  connects  it  with  Seneca  river,  without  in- 
cluding the  Salina  side  cut,  is  found  to  be  a  few  chains 
more  than  ninety-six  miles. 

The  navigation  of  this  section  commenced  through- 
out in  May  last.  But,  as  there  were  several  places  on 
it  requiring  repairs,  and  as  it  was  soon  discovered, 
that  our  supply  of  water,  would  not  be  adequate  to 
the  requirement  of  an  extensive  and  increasing  trans- 
portation, some  time  was  occupied  in  repairing  breach- 
es, in  strengthening  weak  places,  especially  those, 
where  the  high  embankments  had  settled  and  in  open- 
ing several   new  feeders.     And  we   did  not  think  we 


I 


(     437     ) 

should  be  justified,  in  asking  toll,  till  the  first  of  July. 
From  that  time,  till  4he  ice  prevented  all  passing, 
there  has  been  received,  for  toll,  on  this  section,  the 
sum  of  B')2U  34. 

This  amount  has  been  collected,  by  charging  at  the 
following  rates,  which  were  agreed  upon  at  a  meeting 
of  the   Canal  Commissioners,  and  duly  advertised,  to 
wit : 
On  Salt,  5  mills,  per  ton,  per  mile,  (7  bbls.  of  5  bushels 

each,  or  40  bushels  in  bulk,  being  a  ton.) 
•'  Gypsum,  5  mills,  per  ton,  per  mile. 
"  Flour,  meal,  and  all  kinds  of  grain,  salted  provision, 

pot  and  pearl  ashes,  one  cent,  per  ton,  per  mile. 
"  Merchandise,  two  cents,  per  ton,  per  mile. 
"  Timber,   squared  and  round,  5  mills,  per  hundred 

solid  feet,  per  mile. 
•'  Boards,  plank  and  scantling  reduced  to  inch  measure 
and  all   s  iding  lath,  and  other  sawed  stuff,  less  than 
one  inch  thick,  5  mills,  per  thousand  feet  per  mile. 
"  Shiiigles,  one  mill,  per  thousand,  per  mile. 
"  Brick,  sand,   lime,  iron-ore  and  stone,  5  mills,  per 

ton,  per  mile. 
"  Rails  and  posts  for  fencing,  two  cents  per  thousand^ 

per  mile. 
"  Wood  for  fuel,  one  cent  per  cord,  per  mile 
"  All  fuel  to   be  used,  in  the  manufacture  of  salt,  to 

pass  free. 
"  Boats  made  and  used  chiefly  for  the  transportation 

of  property,  on  each  ton  of  their  capacity,  one  mill, 

per  mile. 
On  boats  made  and  used  chiefl  y  for  the  carriage  of 

persons,  5  cents  per  mile,  of  their  passage. 
»  Staves  and  heading,  for   pipes,  one  cent  per   thou- 
sand, per  mile. 
"  Staves  and  heading,  for  hogsheads,  7  mills  per  thou- 
sand, per  mile. 
"  Staves  and  heading,  for  barrels  or  less,  5  mills  per 

thousand,  per  mile. 
All   articles  not   enumerated,  one  cent,  per  ton,  per 

mile. 


(     438     ) 

Besides  the  above  mentioned  amount  of  toll  received, 
there  has  been  collected,  at  the  Little  Falls  of  the  Mo- 
hawk, since  the  rights  of  the  Western  Inland  Lock 
Navigation  Company ,have  been  transferred  to  the  state, 
the  sum  of  $450  56,  for  toll,  the  toll  having  been 
charged,  from  Rome  to  the  lower  lock  at  the  Little  falls, 
at  the  same  rates,  per  mile,  as  are  stated,  in  the  above 
table,  in  reference  to  the  canal  line. 

To  demand  and  receive  these  tolls,  we  have  appoint- 
ed six  collectors,  and  located  them,  and  paid  them,  as 
follows  to  wit, 

Stalham  Williams,  at  Utica,  with  a  salary  of       $200 
Bela  B  Hyde,         "  Rome,  "  200 

Samuel  Holladay, "  Canestota,  "  150 

Joshua  Forman,     "  Soracuse,  "  250 

Roderick  Matson, "  Bucksville,  "  200 

Sanders  Lansing,   "  Little  falls,  "  62  50 

The  system,  adopted  by  us,  for  regulating  the  collec- 
tion of  tolls,  requires,  that  whenever  i  any  property, 
chargeable  with  toll,  arrives  at  one  of  the  places  of 
collection,  the  person  entrusted  therewith,  should  ex- 
hibit a  bill  of  particulars,  containing  an  exact  account^ 
of  all  the  property,  arranged,  under  different  heads, 
according  to  the  different  rates  of  toll  which  it  may  be 
liable  to  pay ;  and  containing  also,  the  name  of  the  boat 
and  its  tonnage,  if  the  articles  are  conveyed  in  a  boat, 
together  with  the  place,  from  which  it  comes,  and  that 
to  which  it  is  destined.  When  such  a  bill  is  presented, 
it  is  made  the  duty  of  the  collector  to  examine  the  pro- 
perty, and  ascertain,  whether  it  corresponds  with  the 
bill.  If  it  does,  he  receives  the  full  amount  of  toll  ari- 
sing from  the  whole  passage,  and  receipts  it  on  the  bill, 
which  he  copies  into  a  book  provided  by  him  for  that 
purpose;  after  which,  the  bill,  with  the  receipt,  is 
handed  back  to  the  boatmen,  who,  when  he  arrives  at 
the  next  place  of  collection,  exhibits  his  receipted  bill, 
to  the  collector,  and  if  there  has  been  no  change  in 
the  lading,  is  permitted  to  continue  his  passage.  If 
additional  articles  are  taken  into  the  canal,  between 
the  first  collector,  to  whom  the  bill  of  lading  is  pre- 


(     439     ) 

sented,  and  any  subsequent  one,  such   subsequent  col- 
lector ascertains,  whether  all  such  articles  are  properly 
added  to  the  bill,  and  makes  the  same  receipt  of  toll 
and  entry  of  those  articles,   as  was  made  by  the  first 
collector  in,  relation  to  the  original   bill.     The  collec- 
tors are  required  to  give  bonds  for  the  faithful  discharge 
of  their  duty.     And  by  way  of  a  check  upon  their  ac- 
counts, one  of  them  is  required  to  make  an  entry  of  all 
the  property  paying  toll,  at  the  several  places  of  col- 
lection, and  of  all  the  receipts  therefor,  by  the  collec- 
tors.    The  system  further  proposes,  that  once  in  three 
months,  an  agent  of  the    canal   commissioners,  who 
is  competent  to  the  task,  shall  examine  the  books  of 
the  several  collectors,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining 
their  accuracy  ;  receive  from  them  the  amount  of  tolls, 
collected  during  the  preceding  quarter,  and  transmit  it 
to  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund. 

In  the  course  of  the  last  year, "there  have  been  paid, 
on  the  middle  section  of  the  canaL  the  following  sums, 
to  wit. 

For  fencing,         -.-.-$  5637  06 
On  settlement  of  other  old  contracts  and  ac- 
counts,        -         -         -         -         -         -  3040  64 

For  ereotion  of  houses  for  collectors  and  lock- 
tenders,         1407  45 

For  bridges, ]  30    00 

For  damages^  -  -  -  135  02 

For  the  construction  of  feeders,         -         -         2200  02 
For  repairs  of  canal  and  superintendents' 

wages,  -  -  -  -16718  641- 


Inall,         .         -         -         -  .  $29868  8 |i 

The  expense  of  reparation  has,  thus  far,  been  much 
greater  than  it  probably  will  be  for  the  same  length  of 
time  to  come.  With  our  utmost  exertions,  in  1819,  we 
were  not  able  to  have  a  number  of  contracts,  on  the 
Middle  section,  brought  to  an  end,  until  the  occur- 
rence of  frost  and  snow,  in  the  fall.  And  there  is  no 
earth  so  impervious  to  water,  but  that,  if  it  is  subjected 
to  the  pressure    of  a  considerable  head,  immediately 


(    440    ) 

alter  it  has  been  thrown  up,  it  will  be  thereby  endan- 
gered :  and  if  new  embankments  are  frozen,  as  soon  as 
thej  are  made,  whenever  the  binding  power  of  the 
frost  is  destroyed,  the  same  danger  continues.  We 
were  well  aware,  when  the  contracts  were  entered  into 
that  all  banks,  which  are  intended  to  hold  water, 
should  have  time  to  settle  and  dry,  before  they  are  used 
for  that  purpose.  And  it  was  accordingly  provided 
that  all  our  contracts  should  be  fully  performed,  in 
time  to  experience  these  effects,  in  a  good  degree. 
But  they  were  not :  and  we  have  been  called  upon  to 
make  the  most  expensive  repairs,  in  those  banks,  which 
were  latest  raised.  The  banks  have  now  had  time  to 
settle  and  dry  the  breaches  have  been  faithfully  closed, 
great  care  has  been  taken  to  strengthen  every  place,  in 
which  there  was  any  appearance  of  weakness,  and  the 
whole  have  been  so  much  compacted  by  travelling  upon 
them,  that  they  are  cq^^tainly  much  more  solid  and 
secure. 

Before  toll  began  to  be  received,  on  the  canal,  the 
transportation,  of  the  season,  had  been  nearly  half  ac- 
complished. And  the  quantity  afterwards  passing,  on 
the  canal,  was  materially  less. than  it  would  otherwise 
have  been,  in  consequence, — of  the  early  want^of  water 
in  the  Mohawk, — of  the  number  of  teamsters  still  solici- 
ting business  on  the  roads,  who  rather  than  suddenly 
change  their  employment  were  compelled  to  transport, 
at  very  low  rates,— and,  of  the  numerous  impediments, 
which  it  was  known  would,  at  first,  hinder  that  general 
resort  to  the  canal,  which  its  superior  safety,  facility 
and  economy,  will  speedily  and  certainly  effect.  The 
amount  of  tolls,  however,  increased  regularly,  during 
every  successive  month,  in  which  they  were  collected. 
And  the  best  expectations  entertained,  before  hand,  of 
the  advantages  of  transportation,  on  the  canal,  have 
been  surpassed.  In  the  course  of  the  next  season, 
while  the  expenditure,  on  the  Middle  section,  is  likely 
to  be  small,  the  toll  collected,  will  doubtless  be  many 
fold  greater  than  it  has  been,  in  the  course  of  the  past. 

During  the  last  year,  the  construction  of  the  Eastern 
section  of  the  Erie  canal  has  been  commenced  ;  And 


(    441     ) 

thirty  miles  of  the  line,  beginning  at  the  terminatioo'of 
the  Middle  section,  at  Utica,  and  extending,  along  the 
valley  of  the  Mohawk,  eastwardly  of  the  Little  falls,  to 
the  town  of  Minden,  is  now  in  such  a  state  of  forward- 
ness as  to  ensure  its  entire  completion,  the  present 
year. 

The  original  surveys,  on  this  section,  which  were 
extended  eastwardly  as  far  as  the  Schoharie  creek, 
having  pointed  out  a  practicable  route  for  the  canal, 
without  marking  the  precise  line  which  was  to  be 
followed,  the  Engineers,  on  the  opening  of  the  last 
season,  were  required  to  re-survey  the  route,  and 
definitively  to  locate  the  line ;  and,  at  the  same  time, 
to  lay  it  off  into  half  mile  sections,  that  it  might  be  put 
into  the  hands  of  the  labourers  as  early  as  possible. 
The  line  embraced  many  places  of  difficulty,  and  admit- 
ting of  many  variations  in  its  course,  much  time  was 
necessarily  spent,  in  ascertaining  and  determining  on 
the  best  possible  location  of  it ;  and  nearly  half  of  the 
season  had  elapsed  before  the  most  considerable  part 
of  the  work,  could  be  put  under  contract.  The  con- 
tractors however  commenced  their  work,  with  alacrity, 
and  continued  to  push  it,  with  great  vigour,  until  the  ap- 
proach of  winter,  when  the  entire  expenditure  of  the 
money  appropriated  to  the  construction  of  this  section, 
as  well  as  the  inclemency  of  the  season,  necessarily 
suspended  their  labours. 

During  the  time  which  has  been  allowed  for  active 
operations,  some  of  the  most  considerable  and  arduous 
undertakings,  on  the  line,  have  been  performed :  and 
every  part  of  the  work,  which  it  was  important  to  have 
done,  the  last  season,  has  been  accomplished.  Eight 
miles  connected  with  the  Rome  level,  is  so  far  complete 
as  to  require  nothing  more  to  render  it  navigable  than 
the  filling  up  of  the  drains,  which  were  left  open,  for  the 
security  of  the  newly  formed  banks,  which,  without  this 
precaution,  would  have  been  liable  to  injury.,  from  the 
sudden  admission  of  heavy  Hoods  of  water  into  tiie 
canal.    On  the  remaining  twenty-two  miles, all  the  grub- 


(    442    ) 

bing  and  clearing  is  completed,  and  ^  considerable  pro- 
portion of  the  excavation  and  embankment. 

An  important  work  has  been  executed,  at  the  dug 
way,  opposite  the  village  of  Herkimer,  where  a  steep 
and  sliding  hill,  on  one  side,  and  the  Mohawk  river,  on 
the  other,  has  barely  allowed  room,  for  a  road  to  be 
formed,  between  them.  At  this  place,  to  preserve  the 
road,  and  to  avoid  the  falling  earth,  from  the  hill,  it  was 
necessary  to  construct  the  canal  along  the  edge  of  the 
river,  by  carrying,  in  the  Mohawk  a  broad  and  high 
embankment  of  earth  taken  from  the  hill.  This  has 
been  done ;  and  the  whole  has  been  supported  and 
protected,  from  the  injurious  effect  of  a  strong  current, 
by  a  substantial  wall  of  stone,  laid  up,  from  the  bottom 
of  the  river,  to  the  top  of  the  embankment. 

At  the  Little  falls,  the  spirited  exertions  of  the  con- 
tractors have  been  attended  with  great  success ;  and 
on  two  sections,  which  included  what  has  been  con- 
sidered the  most  difficult  part  of  the  work,  and  as 
requiring  the  labour  of  years  to  perform,  the  whole  ex- 
cavation is  already  nearly  completed ;  and  from  the 
massy  fragments  of  rock,  which  have  been  blown  from 
the  line  of  the  canal,  a  broad  and  substantial  wall  has 
been  built,  which,  forming  and  supporting  one  side  of  the 
canal,  extends  along  the  margin  of  the  river,  for  nearly 
three  quarters  of  a  mile,  and  rises,  to  a  line  measuring 
from  ten  to  twenty  five  feet,  above  its  base.  Besides 
these  two  sections,  there  are  three  sections  above,  and 
one  below,  the  falls,  on  which  a  good  deal  of  rock  has 
been  encountered.  A  part  of  it  has  been  thrown  out,' 
and  what  remains  to  be  done  can  be  executed  before 
the  termination  of  the  ensuing  summer. 

From  Utica  to  Minden,  there  is  a  fall,  in  the  canal 
line,  of  one  hundred  and  five  feet,  which  will  be  descen- 
ded, by  thirteen  locks.  For  these,  contracts  have 
been  entered  into,  for  their  completion,  early  in  Sep- 
tember next.  And  nearly  all  the  stone  necessary  for 
their  construction,  consisting  of  the  finest  and  largest 
blocks  of  lime  stone,  have  been  quarried,  hewed  and 
transported  to  the  line  of  the  canal,  and  are  in  readi- 
ness to  be  laid  into  the  works,  on  the  opening  of  spring. 


(    443    ) 

Of  six  aqueducts,  and  thirty -six  culverts,  which  are 
required,  on  the  line  now  under  contract,  the  greatest 
part  of  them  have  been  built,  with  stone  laid  in  water- 
cement,  and  are  completed,  in  the  most  substantial  and 
durable  manner. 

Contracts  for  the  performance  of  every  work,  have 
been  obtained,  on  terms  extremely  favsurable  to  the 
state.  And  it  is  a  most  interesting  fact,  that  notwith- 
standing this  part  of  the  canal  includes  the  expensive 
work,  at  the  Little  falls,  the  most  formidable  obstau:le 
on  the  Eastern  section,  and  also  includes  more  than 
one  half  of  the  lockage,  between  Utica  and  Schenec- 
tady, the  whole  will  be  completed,  at  an  expense,  per 
mile,  but  little  exceeding  that  of  the  Middle  section. 

From  Minden,  the  survey,  of  the  route  of  the  canal, 
was   continued  along  the  south  side  of  the  Mohawk, 
to  the  head   of  the   Cohoes   falls.     At  this  point,  the 
Engineer  found  the  first  and  only  practicable  place  of 
leaving  the  valley  of  the  Mohawk,  and  of  descending, 
with  the   canal  line,  to  the  Hudson.     The'  lateness  of 
the  season,   and  the  necessity  of  his  returning  to  put 
the  line  west  of  Schenectady,  in  a  situation  to  be  put 
under  contract,  before  the  setting  in  of  winter,  prevent- 
ed his  prosecuting  his  surveys  and  examinations  as  far^ 
as  under  other  circumstances,  would  have  been  advise- 
able.     But  this  examination  has  been  such,  as  to  war- 
rant the  conclusion,  that  the  canal  can  be  constructed, 
along  this  route,  at  an  expense,  much  within  the  origi- 
nal estimates. 

The  important  services  pertaining  to  the  Engineer's 
department  on  the  Eastern  section,  have  been,  for  the 
last  season,  chiefly  devolved  upon  Canvass  White,  Es- 
quire, whose  usefulness,  from  the  beginning,  has  been 
constantly  increasing  with  the  progress  of  our  labours, 
by  his  continued  assiduity  and  increasing  knowledge. 

The  Erie  canal  now  affords  an  artificial  navigation  of 
about  ninety-eight  miles,  in  length,  including  the  Salina 
side-cut.  And  we  confidently  exp'ect  to  double  that 
distance,  before  our  next  annual  report.  With  the  wise 
and  liberal  appropriations,  which  your  honourable  body 


(    444     ) 

has  lately  made  applicable  to  this  undertaking,  it  is  not 
unreasonable  to  anticipate;  the  full  consummation,  of 
the  project,  for  connecting  the  great  Lakes  of  the  west, 
with  the  Atlantic  ocean,  before  the  close  of  the  year 
1823. 

The  works  on  the  Champlain  canal  have  been  vigo- 
rously prosecuted  during  the  past  season.  About  seven- 
teen miles  of  excavation,  extendirrg  from  Saratoga  falls 
to  within  ten  miles  of  the   village  of  Waterford,  have 
been  nearly  completed.     The  banks  of  the  canal,  on 
the  above  seventeen  miles,  have  been  formed  and  com- 
pleted with  a  strength  and  beauty   far  surpassing  any 
of  the  similar  works  which  had  been  previously  finish- 
ed ;  and  it  is  but  justice  to  attribute  this  improvement 
in  the  permanency  and  symmetry  of  the  work,to  the  skill, 
fidelity,  and  industry  of  William  Jerome,  Esq.  the  As- 
sistant Engineer,  to  whose  superintendence  the  above 
mentioned  excavation  was  principally  committed.    The 
aqueduct  across  Fish  creek  is  under  contract,  and  the 
materials   for  its  construction  are  nearly  all  delivered. 
Contracts  have  also  been  made  for  the  waste  weirs, 
bridges,  &c.  and  for  fencing  the  canal,  which  are  in  part 
executed.     A  dam  has  been  thrown  across  the  Hudson, 
at  the  head  of  Fort  Miller  falls,  which  aided  by  exca- 
vations made  in  the  bed  of  the  river,  through  Crocker's 
and  Potter's  rifts,  has  produced  a  good  boat  navigation 
between  Fort  Edward  and  Fort  Miller.     The  excava- 
tion   of  a  lateral  canal    around   Fort  Miller  falls,  and 
the    construction  of  two  locks  at   that  place,  are  in  a 
g,tate  of  considerable  forwardness^     The  greater  part 
of  the  materitils  for  a  dam  across    the  Hudson,   to  be 
located  near  the  head  of  Saratoga  falls  are  prepared. 
The  object  of  this  dam  is  to  raise  the  water  into  the 
canal  on  the  Saratoga  level,  and  to  complete  the  navi- 
gation above  the  dam,  to  its  junction  with  the  lateral 
canal  before    mentioned.     The  fencing  of  the  canal, 
and  the   completion  of  the  towing  path   along  Wood, 
creek,  between  F(^t  Edward  and  Whitehall,  have  been 
nearly  finished ;  and  that  part  of  the  route  in  which 
the  navigation  is   confined   to  Wood  creek,   has  been 


(    445    ) 

very  much  improved  by  cutting  off  several  sinuosities 
in  this  stream. 

The  upr>?»raleled  drought  of  last  season,  occasioned, 
for  three  months,  a  d^^ficiency  of  water  on  the  summit 
level.  Although  it  could  not  be  predicted  that  such  a 
season  would  occur,  yet  its  result,  if  it  did  happen,  was 
always  foreseen.  Indeed,  from  the  exaininations  of 
18  J  6,  it  was  not  believed  that  the  summit  level  could  be 
navigated  at  all  without  a  supply  of  water  from  a  feeder. 
It  was  supposed  at  that  time,  that  a  feeder  might  be 
brought  from  Lake  George,  or  from  the  Hudson  river ; 
and  it  was  ascertained^that  one  might  be  easily  made 
from  Halfway  brook  :  And  in  the  Report  of  the  Canal 
Commissioners  ofthe  18th  March,  1817,  it  is  proposed 
"  to  erect  a  dam  across  Halfway  brook,  of  eighteen 
feet  in  height,  half  a  mile  above  the  mouth  of  said  brook, 
and  by  a  natural  ravine  leading  to  the  south,  to  direct 
so  much  ofthe  water  of  said  brook  to  the  summit  level, 
as  may  be  necessary  for  the  convenience  of  the  canal."; 

Further  examinations  were  made  in  1817,  and  in  the 
Report  ofthe  31st  January,  1818,  the  Canal  Commis- 
sioBcrs  state,  that  "  considerable  time  was  spent  in  ex- 
ploring, with  a  view  to  ascertain  whether,  in  case  the 
trade  on  the  canal  should,  in  a  course  of  years,  increase 
to  such  a  degree  as  to  exhaust  Halfway  brook,  which 
is  the  principal  source  of  supply  for  the  summit  level, 
a  sufficient  quantity  of  water  might  be  obtained  from 
any  other  quarter.  Levels  were  carried  from  the  Hudi 
son  river,  at  several  points  above  Fort  Edward,  to  the 
line  of  the  canal.  And  it  was  ascertained,  that  in  the 
event  of  future  deficiency,  water  may  be  drawn  from 
the  Hudson  by  a  short  teeder,  in  any  quantity  which 
may  be  necessary."  Thus  it  will  be  perceived  that 
Halfway  brook  was  regarded  as  "  the  principal  source 
of  supply  for  the  summit  level,"  that  a  feeder  from  this 
stream  was  deemed  indispensible,  and  that  the  neces- 
sity of  an  additonal  future  supply  from  the  Hudson  was 
also  anticipated. 

The  summit  level  was  finished  in  1819,  and  it  was 
found,  during  the  excavation  of  the  same,  that  several 


(     446     ) 

copious  springs  were  intercepted,  and  that  without  any 
feeder,  the  supply  of  water  was  greater  than  had  previ- 
ously been  expected.  By  a  reference  to  the  Report  of 
the  18th  February,  1820,  it  will  be  seen  that  it  was  ex- 
pected, "  that  with  ordinary  seasons,"  a  feeder  for  the 
present  would  not  be  wanted.  The  limited  appropri- 
ations to  the  Champlain  canal  did  not  warrant  the  con- 
struction of  a  feeder  in  1819.  Had  the  feeder  been 
made,  the  summit  level  could  not  have  been  finished: 
and  it  appears  in  the  same  Report,  that  "  owing  to  a 
deficiency  of  funds,  the  canal  was  not  fenced." 

For  ten  years  previous  to  the  last  season,  the  sum- 
mers in  general  were  cool  and  wet :  and  during  the 
whole  of  that  period,  (except  the  season  of  1816,  had 
the  canal  been  previously  constructed,  it  is  believed 
there  would  have  been  a  sufficient  supply  of  water  on 
the  summit  level,  without  any  aid  from  the  Hudson,  or 
Halfway  brook.  But  last  summer  was  an  exception  to 
almost  every  other.  From  the  middle  of  June  to  the 
20th  September,  the  ordinary  summer  showers  were  al- 
most entirely  wanting;  and  during  this  period,  the  heat 
of  the  atmosphere  occasioned  an  evaporation  so  intense 
as  to  exhaust  the  streams  and  springs  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  the  Champlain  canal,  to  a  degree  never  before 
witnessed  by  the  oldest  inhabitants  of  the  country. 

The  foregoing  references  to  former  Reports,  and  the 
preceding  observations,  are  submitted  to  show,  that  the 
failure  of  water  on  the  summit  level,  was  not  occasioned 
by  any  mistake  of  the  commissioners  or  Engineer,  or  by 
leaks  in  the  canal,  as  some  have  erroneously  supposed. 

The  extraordinary  dryness  of  the  last  summer  produ- 
ced a  considerable  diminution  of  the  water  of  Halfway 
brook,  although  that  streamisentirely  formed  by  springs: 
And  as  such  seasons  may  occur  again,  it  was  thought 
best  to  make  a  feeder  from  the  Hudson  in  the  first  in- 
stance, whereby  the  expense  of  a  feeder  from  Halfway 
brook,  which  might  not  at  all  times  be  sufficient,  would 
be  entirely  saved  to  the  state. 

Two  modes  of  constructing  this  feeder,  presented 
themselves.      The  one,  by  taking  the  water  from  the 


(    447    ) 

head  af  Baker's  falls,  and  leading  it  along  the  declivi- 
ty, parallel  to  the  river,  to  a  point  where  the  bank,  com- 
posed of  slate  rock,  became  too  precipitous  to  proceed 
further,  and  from  thence  by  a  small  tunnel  or  sough, 
nearly  at  right  angles  with  the  river,  to  conduct  the  wa- 
ter through  a  ridge  of  slate,  into  a  ravine,  from  whence 
it  might  easily  be  connected  with  the  summit  level. 
The  other,  by  throwing  a  dam  across  the  Hudson,  afeout 
half  a  mile  above  the  village  of  Fort-Edward,  thereby 
raising  the  water  to  the  necessary  height,  and  by  a  na- 
vigable cut  of  abQut  half  a  mile  in  length,  to  connect 
the  pond  created  by  said  dam,  with  the  summit  leveL 
This  feeder  is  indicated  on  the  engraved  map  and  pro- 
file, of  the  Champlain  canal. 

ft  was  at  first  thought,  that  the  former  mode  might  be 
preferable  to  the  latter  :  But,  after  spending  some  time 
in  sinking  shafts  for  the  sough,  the  hardness  of  the  rock, 
and  the  great  influx  of  water  through  the  seams  of  slate 
produced  a  diflferent  conclusion.  A  contract  was 
therefore  made,  for  the  erection  of  the  dam,  the  excava- 
tion of  a  navigable  feeder,  and  the  construction  of  a 
guard-lock,  to  prevent  the  irruption  into  the  canal,  of 
the  floods  of  the  river  The  excavation  was  nearly  fin- 
ished last  season,  and  the  materials  for  the  dam  are  to 
be  transported  to  the  spot,  early  in  the  spring.  With 
a  favourable  season,  it  is  expected  that  these  works 
will  be  finished  within  six  or  seven  months  from  this 
time.  It  is  believed,  that  the  Champlain  canal  will  be 
completed  and  rendered  navigable  next  season,  as  far 
as  the  south  end  of  the  Saratoga  level,  and  that  the  re- 
maining ten  miles,  to  the  village  of  Waterford,  will  be 
excavated.  The  whole  of  the  Champlain  canal  might 
be  finished  this  year,  with  the  aid  of  the  liberal  ap- 
propriations recently  made  by  the  Legislature.  But 
as  there  is  ninetythree  feet  of  lockage  in  the  above 
mentioned  ten  miles,  and  as  the  stone  for  the  locks, 
must  be  brought  from  the  town  of  Kingsbury,  it  will  be 
more  economical  to  delay  the  construction  of  the  locks, 
until  another  year,  when  the  canal  will  be  in  operation, 
as  above  mentioned,  and  thereby  save  the  expense  of 


(    448    ) 

about  thirty  miles  of  land  carriage,  of  these  ponderous; 
materials. 

Although  the  navigation  was  interrupted  for  three 
months,  by  a  deficiency  of  water  on  the  summit  level, 
yet,  during  the  spring  and  fall,  considerable  quantities 
of  lumber  were  transported  through  the  canal,  from 
Lake  Champlain  to  the  Hudson,  and  from  thence  to  a 
southern  market ;  upon  which,  however,  as  the  works 
were  not  finished,  no  toll  was  received. 

The  whole  quantity  of  lumber,  which  passed  from 
Lake  Champlain,  through  the  locks,  at  Whitehall,  ac- 
cording to  the  return  of  the  lock-keeper,  is  as  follows, 
to  wit :  One  hundred  and  fifty-nine  thousand  boards, 
ninety-eight  thousand  plank,  thirteen  thousand  cubic 
feet  of  pine  timber,  ten  thousand  do.  of  hemlock  tim- 
ber, twenty-nine  cords  of  tanners'  bark,  twenty  four 
do.  of  fire  wood,  one  hundred  and  four  thousand  oak 
staves,  forty-nine  thousand  shingles,  three  thousand 
four  hundred  and  eighty  saw-logs,  ten  thousand  rails, 
nine  thousand  cedar  posts,  and  eight  thousand  fence 
boards. 

In  looking  back  to  the  numerous  difficulties,  and  re- 
sponsibilities,— some  of  them  of  an  aspect  the  most 
disheartening,  which  surrounded  the  canals,  especially 
in  their  commencement,  we  feel  compelled,  by  common 
justice,  to  commend  the  aid,  which  has  been,  at  all 
times,  afforded  by  our  Engineers.  In  the  selection 
of  all  the  persons,  who  are  now  employed  by  us,  under 
this  character,  we  have  been  eminently  fortunate.  But 
to  the  Hon.  Benjamin  Wright  and  James  Geddes,  the 
state  is  most  indebted.  Possessing  much  local  informa- 
tion, competent  science,  long  experience  in  many  kinds 
of  business  bearing  some  analogy  to  canal  operations, 
and  well  established  characters  for  industry  and  fideli- 
ty, these  gentlemen  have  rendered  the  most  essential 
services,  in  all  the  duties  of  their  department.  They 
were  first  appointed  Engineers  :  they  have  unceasingly, 
and  with  improving  fitness,  devoted  their  best  faculties 
to  the  great  cause  in  which  they  were  engaged.  And 
they  have  hitherto  been  found  equal  to  the  high  trust? 
confided  to  them. 


(    449    ) 

The  state  has  now  been  engaged,  nearly  four  years, 
in  the  actual  construction  of  the  Erie  and  Champlain 
canals.  And  the  success  of  her  efforts  has  been,  at 
least,  equal  to  the  expectation  of  the  most  ardent  ad- 
vocates of  these  measures.  This  success  could  not 
have  been  attained,  without  care,  vigilance,  discretion, 
and  energy,  in  the  complicated  and  arduous  labours,  of 
which  it  is  the  fruit.  And  these  labours  could  not  nave 
been  performed,  without  the  support  of  a  wise  foresight 
and  just  liberality,  in  several  successive  legislatures. 
To  us  it  appears,  that  these  legislatures  have  afibrded 
a  spectacle  most  animating,  encouraging,  and  delight- 
ful, in  reference  to  the  sagacity  of  the  people  to  under- 
stand, and  their  wisdom  to  provide  for,  their  most  sub- 
stantial interests.  They  exhibit  the  most  impressive 
example,  which  the  UniteJ  States  have  yet  produced, 
since  the  adoption  of  the  Federal  constitution,  of  the 
beneficent  effects  of  free  government,  upon  the  cha- 
racter of  a  community.  They  are  intimately  connected 
with  the  best  hopes  of  the  Republic.  Rising  above  all 
fugitive  and  partial  interests,  and  with  a  full  detail  of 
the  costs  of  these  works  before  them,  the  immediate 
representatives  of  the  people,  have  so  clearly  discerned 
the  benefits,  which  they  would  introduce,  as  to  apply  to 
them  from  year  to  year,  a  greater  proportion  of  their 
funds,  than  is  sufficient,  to  defray  the  ordinary  expenses 
of  their  state  government.  And  this  proportion,  your 
honourable  body  has  greatly  increased. 

When  a  project  is  once  decisively  embraced,  of 
which  the  practicability  is  ascertained,  but  of  which 
only  a  small  part  of  its  advantages  can  be  enjoyed  be- 
fore it  is  fully  performed,  it  is  wise,  it  is  economical,  to 
apply  large  means  to  the  performance.  And  the  ap- 
propriation of  the  additional  million  of  dollars  to  the 
canals,  for  this  year  and  the  next,  will  be  every  where 
a  theme  of  praise  and  congratulation.  This  act  of  the 
legislature,  is  a  just  and  a  great  cause  for  rejoicing, — 
because  it  ensures  the  speediest  possible  completion 
of  the  canals. — because,  when  they  are  completed, 
they  will  immediately  communicate  their  blessings  to 


(     450     ) 

millions  of"  freemen, — and,  because  they  will  contribute 
most  effectually  and  rapidly  to  the  spreading  of  our  fel- 
low-citizens broad-cast  and  thick,  with  all  their  precious 
institutions  for  the  perpetuation  of  civil  liberty,  and  the 
promotion  of  knowledge  and  virtue — with  every  thing 
most  admirable  and  sacred,  in  our  social  condition, 
throughout  the  almost  boundless  and  unoccupied  re- 
gions of  the  west. 

DE  WITT  CLINTON, 

STEPHEN  VAN  RENSSELAER, 

SAMUEL  YOUNG, 

MYRON  HOLLEY, 

HENRY  SEYMOUR. 
Dated  12th  March,  1821. 


^n  Act  Concerning  the  Erie  and  Champlain  Canals. 

Passed  February  9,  1821. 

WHEREAS  in  the  prosecution  of  the  great  western 
and  northern  canals,  experience  has  not  only  demon- 
strated the  practicability  of  their  construction,  but  so 
far  as  any  portions  of  them  have  been  completed,  their 
unquestionable  utility :  And  whereas  it  is  of  great 
importance  to  the  interests  of  this  state,  that  the  whole 
should  be  finished  and  made  productive  without  any 
unnecessary  delay,  and  at  a  period  when  all  circumstan- 
ces are  highly  favourable  to  their  progress  :  Therefore, 
in  consideration  of  the  great  advantages  which  offer  at 
the  present  time  in  the  cheapness  and  abundance  pf 
labour,  and  in  the  low  rate  at  which  money  may  be 
obtained  for  the  accomplishment  of  these  interesting 
and  useful  works. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  JVew-York. 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly  ^Thdii  the  commission- 
ers of  the  canal  fund  be,  and  they  are  hereby  em- 
powered, in  addition  to  the  loans  already  authorized  by- 
law, to  borrow  from  time  to  time,  during  the  years  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  twenty  one,  and  one  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  and  twentytwo,  moneys  on  the  credit 


(    451    ) 

t)l  the  state,  nt  a  rate  not  exceeding  six  per  cent,  per 
annum,  and  not  exceeding  one  million  of  dollars  in  each 
year :  for  which  moneys,  so  to  be  borrowed,  certificates 
of  stock  shall  be  issued  in  the  manner  directed  in  and 
by  the  act,  entitled  "  an  act  to  improve  the  funds  and 
to  provide  for  the  redemption  of  the  funded  debt  of  this 
state,"  payable  at  such  time  or  times  as  may  be  deter- 
mined by  the  said  board,  out  of  the  canal  fund  ;  and  to 
pay  to  the  canal  commissioners  the  moneys  so  to  be 
borrowed,  to  be  applied  in  the  same  manner  and  pro- 
portion as  already  provided  for  by  law :  Provided,  That 
it  shall  not  be  lawful  for  the  commissioners  of  the  canal 
fund,  to  make  loans  under  this  act  beyond  such  amount 
as,  for  the  payment  of  the  interest  thereof,  the  canal 
fund  at  the  time  shall  be  deemed  ample  and  sufficient. 

^nd  be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the 
two  houses  of  the  legislature,  by  concurrent  resolution, 
to  appoint  an  additional  canal  commissioner ;  and  that 
the  commissioner  so  appointed,  as  well  as  the  present 
commissioners,  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  during 
the  pleasure  of  the  two  houses  of  the  legislature,  subject 
to  be  removed  by  concurrent  resolution  of  the  two 
houses. 

^tid  be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the 
two  houses  of  the  legislature,  by  concurrent  resolution, 
to  appoint  three  appraisers  on  the  eastern  section  of 
the  Erie  canal,  and  three  appraisers  on  the  western 
section  of  the  Erie  canal,  and  three  appraisers  on  the 
Champlain  canal ;  and  that  the  appraisers  so  appoint- 
ed, as  well  as  the  present  appraisers,  shall  hold  their 
respective  offices  during  the  pleasure  of  the  legislature, 
subject  to  be  removed  by  concurrent  resolution  of  the 
two  houses. 

jlnd  be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
each  and  every  canal  commissioner  already  appointed, 
to  superintend  the  making  and  constructing  of  either 
the  Erie  or  Champlain  canals,  within  sixty  days  from 
the  passage  of  this  act,  and  of  every  acting  canal  com- 
missioner hereafter  appointed,  before  entering  upon 
the  duties  of  his  office,  to  enter  into  a  bond  to  the  peo- 


* 


(     452     ) 

^le  of  this  state,  with  at  least  two  substantial  freehold- 
ers as  sureties,  iu  a  penal  sum  of  fifty  thousand  dollars, 
conditioned  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  now 
enjoined,  or  that  may  hereafter  be  enjoined  on  him  by 
law ;  and  for  the  faithful  accounting  of  all  moneys  en- 
trusted to  him,  as  such  acting  canal  commissioner^ 
whenever,  and  as  often  as  he  may  be  required  so  to  do 
by  law,  or  by  concurrent  resolution  of  the  senate  and 
assembly,  or  by  the  comptroller  of  this  state ;  and  the 
said  bonds  shall  be  approved  of  by  the  comptroller, 
and  filed  in  his  office. 

^^ndbe  it  further  enacted^  That  in  order  the  better  to 
guard  against  mistakes  and  losses,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  acting  canal  commissioners,  respectively,  here- 
after to  take  duplicate  receipts  for  all  sums  of  money 
which  they  may  advance  and  pay  to  their  engineers, 
contractors  and  agents 

Jind  be  it  further  enacted^  That  whenever  the  sum  or 
sums  of  money,  paid  to  any  canal  commissioner,  and 
remaining  unaccounted  for,  shall  amount  to  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars,  it  shall  not  be  lawful  for  the  commission- 
ers of  the  canal  fund,  to  advance  or  pay  to  such  canal 
commissioner  any  further  sum  or  sums  of  money,  until 
he  shall  first  have  produced  an  account  and  vouchers 
to  the  comptroller,  showing  the  payment  and  expendi- 
ture on  the  canal  of  at  least  forty  thousand  dollars  of 
said  sum. 

And  be  it  further  enacted^  That  it  shall,  be  the  duty  of 
the  commissioners  of  tbe  canal  fund,  previous  to  every 
loan  hereafterto  be  made,to  give  notice  of  such  intended 
loan,  that  sealed  proposals  will  be  received  to  a  given 
day;  which  proposals  shall  not  be  opened  until  a  cer- 
tain hour  of  such  day,  to  be  named  in  the  notice  ;  and 
said  notice  shall  be  published  in  two  news  papers,  in 
each  of  the  cities  of  New-York  and  Albany,  and  con- 
tinued for  two  weeks  daily  in  the  New- York  papers,and 
at  least  twice  a  week  in  the  Albany  papers. 


The  following  Letters,  and  the  Essay  with  which  they  are  ac- 
companied, cast  much  light  on  the  second  great  Western 
Canal.  They  will  be  read  with  deep  interest  in  the  nation 
and  out  of  the  nation. 

(Governor  Brown'^s  Letter  on  the  Ohio  Canal.) 

Columbus,  Sept.  20th,  1820. 
Charles  G.  Haines,  Esq. 

Dear  Sir — I  hare  been  prevented  by  business  and  a  desire  of 
communicating  more  satisfactory  information,  from  sooner  acknow- 
ledging the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  4th  of  August. 

You  give  great  pleasure,  by  informing  me  of  the  interest  felt  in  the 
state  of  New-York,  in  regard  to  the  commencement  and  completion 
of  a  canal  from  the  Ohio  river  to  Lake  Erie. 

Young  as  our  state  is,  and  forced  hitherto  to  rely,  almost  exclusive- 
ly, on  direct  taxation,  for  public  improvements,  as  well  as  for  the 
support  of  government,  we  look  to  your  state  for  capital,  in  the  first 
instance,  towards  affecting  this  object,  either  by  way  of  loan,  should 
the  work  be  undertaken  by  the  state,  or  for  individual  subscription, 
should  it  be  thought  necessary  to  incorporate  a  company  for  the  pur- 
pose. 

I  should  be  much  obliged  by  the  views  that  may  be  entertained  by 
any  members  of  your  association,  concerning  the  prospect  of  raising 
these  funds  in  New-York,  in  either  of  the  above  mentioned  alterna- 
tives ;  to  the  latter  of  which,  1  confess  I  feel  a  repugnance,  while  a 
hope  can  reasonably  be  entertained,  that  the  work  will  be  accom- 
plished by  the  state. 

You  are  pleased  to  observe,  that  "  the  command  of  public  opinion 
will  be  the  command  of  financial  resources  ;"  this  is  very  true,  but, 
even  in  the  rich  state  of  New-York,  it  required  time,  patience,  and 
perseverance,  to  acquire  that  command  ;  b}'  proofs  heaped  upon  de- 
monstration, when  a  vast  enterprise,  of  a  nature  still  new  to  this 
country,  was  proposed  ;  and  we  are  greatly  indebted,  here,  for  your 
daring  experiment,  inasmuch  as  it  may  lead,  by  force  of  its  great  ex- 
ample, to  an  investigation  of  what  latent  resources  Ohio  may  possess. 

You  first  inquire  whether  it  be  practicable  to  connect  Lake  Erie 
with  the  Ohio,  by  means  of  a  canal  ? 

The  House  of  Representatives  of  our  Legislature  addressed  to  me 
last  winter  a  similar  inquiry,  in  answer  to  which,  I  communicated  what 
information  I  then  possessed  on  the  subject ;  a  copy  of  this  message, 


(     454     ) 

to  which  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you,  is  forwarded  by  this  post.  The 
intelligence  1  have  since  acquired  on  this  head,  is  favourable.  One 
of  the  public  surveyors  has  since  assured  me,  that  in  the  dry  season 
preceding,  he  found  the  two  eastern  branches  of  the  Sandusky  that 
issued  from  the  Morass,  mentioned  in  that  paragraph  of  the  message 
marked  A,  to  afford  each  a  supply  of  water  sufficient  to  turn  a  large 
run  of  mill-stones,  by  an  undershot  wheel.  There  seems  no  doubt, 
that  these  can  be  diverted  into  the  Scioto.  On  the  other  hand,  a 
more  correct  examination  has  proved,  that  the  little  Scioto,  at  the 
place  mentioned  in  the  same  paragraph,  is  elevated  seven  feet  above 
the  Sandusky.  I  have  no  further  information  of  the  supply  of  water, 
for  the  route  through  the  valley  of  Mad  Kiver,  nor  any  thing  to  add 
concerning  the  practicability  of  a  water  communication  through  the 
north  eastern  part  of  this  state,  and  part  of  Pennsylvania. 

Your  next  inquiry  relates  to  the  distance,  the  fall,  and  number  of 
locks  required  ? 

I  can  only  answer  the  first,  as  regards  geographical  distance  :  The 
length  of  the  canal  must  inevitably  depend  on  the  course  which  the 
face  of  the  country  will  compel  the  engineer  to  pursue  ;  and  this  is 
not  likely  to  be  so  sinuous  as  your  western  canel.  By  the  road  (to- 
lerably direct)  from  Sandusky  Bay,  to  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto,  the 
distance  is  about  two  hundred  miles  :  From  the  bay  to  Cincinnati,  by 
a  road  less  direct,  about  ten  miles  less.  In  relation  to  the  fall,  I  have 
to  observe,  that  the  survey  made  by  Mr.  Briggs  from  the  tide  water 
in  Janaes'  River,  in  Virginia,  to  the  mouth  of  the  Kenahawa,  shows 
my  conjecture  to  be  nearly  correct,  concerning  the  comparative  ele- 
vation of  the  lake,  and  of  the  Ohio,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto.  I 
should  presume,  that  at  Cincinnati,  the  river  must  be  at  least  40  feet 
lower. 

The  survey  alluded  to  in  paragraph  C,  was  from  the  level  of  the  Bay, 
in  a  direction  towards  the  heads  of  the  Great  Miami  and  Mad  Rivers. 
In  the  opinion  of  many  judicious  persons,  there  must  have  been  some 
error  in  this  survey  ;  although  the  summit  in  that  course  must  be 
considerably  higher  than  in  a  line  northwardly  from  this  place,  where 
the  Scioto  flowing  from  the  west,  and  branches  of  the  Sandusky  from 
the  north  east,  approach  each  other  ;  and  from  whence  each  river 
bends  its  course  to  an  opposite  point  of  compass  from  the  other.  The 
reason  for  supposing  this  error,  is  chiefly  grounded  on  the  circum- 
stance, that  the  principal  rapids  of  the  Sandusky  are  within  18  or  20 
miles  of  the  level  of  the  lake,  and  have  been  surmounted  by  canoe 
navigation  ;  while  above  them,  from  its  most  southern  bend,  the  cur- 
rent of  the  river  is  represented  as  very  gentle. 

I  perceive  that  the  New- York  newspapers  (probably  on  the  au- 
thority of  Mr.  Steel)  represent  the  summit  between  Sandusky  and 
Scioto,  as  elevated  300  feet  above  lake  Erie  ;  I  think  it  probable 
that  this  approaches  the  truth  The  estimate  attributed  to  Captain 
Riley,  is  generally  thought  too  extravagant  for  notice. 

You  will  be  more  competent  to  judge  of  the  number  of  locks,  that 
may  be  required  than  I  am. 


(    455    ) 

Your  third  inquiry  concerns  the  leading  advantages  of  the  canal  to 
the  state  of  Ohio,  and  to  the  country  bordering  on  the  lakes,  on  the 
completion  of  the  great  western  canal,  from  Erie  to  the  Hudson  ? 

Among  the  principal  benefits  which  may  first  be  expected  to  be 
derived  from  the  completion  of  these  works,  would  be  the  importation 
of  salt,  iron,  and  some  other  heavy,  but  indispensable  commodities,  not 
yet  produced  here  in  sufficient  quantities  ;  besides  the  diminished 
cost  of  transportation  of  various  articles  of  merchandise,  consumed 
among  us,  and  for  which,  a  large  portion  of  the  western  country 
would  resort  to  the  market  of  New-York — a  trade  which  heretofore 
has  been,  in  a  great  measure,  the  life  of  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore. 

if  lateral  and  diverging  canals  are  to  be  formed  (especially  towards 
the  Muskingum)  the  importation  of  gypsum  for  manure,  might,  at  no 
great  distance  of  time,  become  an  item  of  great  importance  :  But,  the 
greatest  advantage  we  should  expect,  would  be  the  easy  and  cheap 
conveyance,  to  your  grand  mart,  of  our  agricultural  productions  ; 
which,  under  an  imperfect  cultivation  by  a  population  still  thin,  are 
already  immense.  The  region  in  the  south  western  part  of  this  state, 
called  the  Miami  country,  is  one  of  our  most  fertile,  best  cultivated, 
and  most  populous  districts.  From  one  county  within  it,  containing 
about  400  square  miles,  my  correspondent  last  winter,  acquainted  me 
with  the  result  of  his  inquiries  into  its  product,  as  follows:  Harvested, 
last  season,  (1819)  246,000  bushels  of  wheat — 43,500  bushels  of 
rye — .463,000  bushels  of  corn.  In  the  winter  preceding,  I  was  in- 
formed, that  the  same  county,  had  prepared,  and  chiefly  sent  off, 
4,000  hogs  for  market.  This  kind  of  stock,  is  almost  uniformly  dri- 
ven to  the  lake,  or  to  the  Ohio,  to  be  slaughtered,  by  way  of  saving  ex- 
pense, in  the  carriage  of  salt  pork  and  bacon.  Of  the  proceeds  of  their 
daries,  and  considerable  numbers  of  neat  cattle  and  horses  reared  in 
this  county  I  have  no  returns.  This  county  may  be  assumed  as  the 
average  of  what  is  severally  produced  by  7  or  8  others,  all  nearly  of 
the  same  dimensions,  in  the  quarter  above  mentioned. 

The  average  cost  of  land  carriage,  to  places  where  these  provi- 
sions can  be  embarked,  on  the  Ohio  or  the  lake,  is  scarcely  to  be 
reckoned  less,  even  in  these  dull  times,  than  from  50  to  75  cents  per 
hundred,  through  the  year.  It  is  true,  that  much  of  this  cost  of  land 
carriage,  is  occasionally  saved  in  this  state,  by  transporting  on  the 
principal  streams  that  cross  different  parts  of  Ohio  ;  but  this  naviga- 
tion is  not  without  considerable  difficulties  and  dangers,  and  is  withal, 
so  uncertain,  depending  on  the  rise  of  the  waters  (which,  after  all  the 
preparation  of  adventurers,  sometimes  fails  of  their  expectation)  that 
it  forms  an  increase  of  expense. 

North  and  west  of  Chillicothe,  lies  the  most  fertile  part  of  the 
country  on  the  waters  of  the  Scioto — extensive  and  beautiful  in  a 
high  degree,  to  the  eye  of  the  farmer,  but  more  lately  settled,  less 
populous,  and  in  general  much  less  cultivated,  than  the  Miami  coun- 
try. The  small  county  however,  contigious  to  this  in  which  I  am 
writing,  has,  for  successive  seasons,  produced  far  greater  wheat  har- 
vests than  have  ever  been  gathered  in  any  of  the  more  western  coun- 


(     456     ) 

ties,  and  of  corn  perhaps  nearly  equal.  Land  carriage  has  hereto^ 
fore  been  *§>  1  50  per  hundred  between  Columbus  and  the  Ohio  river, 
and  more  to  Sandusky  Bay. 

Of  the  country  on  the  lakes,  1  know  nothing  personally,  except  our 
own  coast  of  lake  Erie.  Governor  Cass  and  the  secretary  of  Michi- 
gan, Mr.  Woodbridge,  are  persons  whose  intelligence  and  active  zeal 
in  discovering  what  concerns  their  territory,  will  enable  them  better, 
than  any  one  known  to  me,  to  satisfy  you,  of  what  advantages  would 
be  likely  to  result  to  the  countries  bordering  on  the  Detroit,  and 
lakes  Huron,  Michigan,  and  Superior,  from  the  accomplishment  of 
these  great  canal  communications. 

The  settlement  of  that  part  of  this  state,  bordering  on  the  lake,  is 
considerably  more  recent  than  that  near  the  Ohio,  and  much  less  of 
its  forests  have  yielded  to  the  hand  of  improvement.  That  portion 
of  territory  known  by  the  appellation  of  the  '  Connecticut  Western 
reserve,'  as  well  as  most  of  the  land  (not  yet  sold)  lying  west  of  it, 
is  in  general,  less  a  grain,  than  a  grazing  country,  which  may  partly 
account  for  a  slower  progress  of  settlement,  till  within  a  few  years, 
during  which  it  has  rapidly  increased,  in  population  and  improvement, 
and  the  inhabitants  exhibit  a  great  deal  of  public  spirit,  in  promoting 
and  accomplishing  works  of  public  utility.  Iron  ore  is  abundant  in 
various  parts  of  the  reserve.  They  have  yet  few  forges  or  furnaces. 
Their  search  for  salt  has  been  less  successful,  and  I  anticipate  that 
for  this  article  they  must  depend  on  New-York.  Coal  has  not  been 
discovered  in  any  considerable  quantity  near  the  lake  ;  but  it  is  un- 
derstood, that  inexhaustible  bedj  of  this  mineral  are  found  in  the 
south  eastern  part  of  the  reserve,  and  touching  on  the  probable 
route  for  a  canal  in  that  quarter  adverted  to  in  a  preceding  part  of  this 
letter. 

Your  last  question  requires  an  account  of  what  latteral  canals  can 
be  connected  with  the  Ohio  canal  ? 

1  am  unable  to  answer  this  question  by  any  conjecture  of  tolerable 
accuracy.  I  believe  there  are  several  practicable,  of  greater  or  less 
extent.  At  present,  I  dare  not  venture  to  add  any  thing  to  the  ha- 
zardous remark  contained  in  paragraph  D,  of  the  message,  so  often 
(and  I  fear  so  fatiguingly)  referred  to. 

You  will  observe  that  there  is  a  part  of  the  communication  trans- 
mitted to  you  at  this  time  relative  to  a  tinanciering  plan,  irrelevant  to 
the  subjects  of  your  inquiries.  Our  legislature  passed  an  act  at  their 
last  session  proposing  to  purchase  from  the  United  States,  from  one 
to  two  millions  of  acres  for  the  object  of  a  canal  ;  and  for  a  survey, 
and  estimates,  in  case  the  proposition  should  be  agreed  to.  It  was 
not  accepted  by  congress,  not  that  the  price  offered  was  insufficient, 
or  that  the  security  would  in  other  circumstances  be  objectionable, 
but  on  the  principle,  as  I  understand,  that  it  is  impolitic  for  congress 
to  give  credit  to  a  state,  or  for  a  state  to  become  indebted  to  the 
United  States,  on  any  terms  or  conditions,  or  for  any  purpose  what- 
ever. A  bill,  however,  passed  the  senate,  providing  for  a  survey, 
4'C.  which  now  lies  among  the  unfinished  business  of  the  house  of 


(    457    ) 

representatives.  Unsuccessful  in  this  attempt — uncertain  what  may 
be  the  disposition  of  congress  at  their  next  session,  and  the  aspect  of 
affairs  among  us  rather  gloomy,  from  the  depression  of  our  agricul- 
ture, we  are  compelled  to  view  the  accomplishment,  and  even  the 
commencement,  of  the  Ohio  canal,  as  more  remote  than  our  own 
sanguine  wishes  had  once  imagined  it  to  be.  But  I  cannot  consent 
to  loose  sight  of  it,  while  its  practicability  remains  probable.  Pa- 
tience and  perseverance  may  at  length  prevail :  diligent  investigation, 
may,  I  trust,  devolve  dormant  resources  in  our  stale  ;  its  government 
is  free  from  debt,  its  credit,  (yet  untried  abroad)  may  prove  good  ; 
but  our  legislature  must  be  well  convinced,  before  they  consent  to 
pledge  that  credit,  in  a  new  scheme  of  immense  magnitude. 

It  is  to  me  a  source  of  regret,  that  I  have  not  possessed  the  means, 
to  afford  you  information  more  exact  and  satisfactory.  I  have  taken 
measures,  which,  I  hope,  will  be  effectual,  to  enable  me  to  digest 
several  statistical  accounts  and  estimates  of  the  nature  and  quantity 
of  our  productions,  in  agriculture  and  manufactures.  If  1  succeed 
according  to  my  hopes,  I  shall  have  it  in  my  power  to  furnish  you  in 
the  course  of  next  winter,. with  more  precise  and  certain  answers,  to 
some  of  your  queries.  After  the  polite  invitation  1  have  received, 
to  contribute  to  the  general  stock  of  information,  on  the  great  subject 
of  the  internal  trade  and  navigation  of  the  country,  it  would  be  un- 
grateful, and  argue  a  w mt  of  patriotism  in  me,  should  I  withhold  from 
you  the  association,  what  knowledge  on  the  subject,  I  possess,  or  may 
acquire.  If  any  thing  valuable  can  be  culled  from  this  communica- 
tion (too  imperfect  in  matter  and  manner  for  publication)  1  shall  be 
proud  to  have  furnished  it  ;  and  I  still  indulge  the  hope  of  being  able 
in  a  few  months,  to  offer  you  a  statement  on  soine  of  the  points  of 
your  inquiry,  more  certain  and  therefore  more  worthy  of  their  ac- 
ceptance. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  great  esteem, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

ETHAN  A.  BROWK 


New-York,  August  \st    1821, 
Ch.  G.  Haines,  Esq. 

Sir — I  have  received  your  note  of  this  dale,  on  behalf  of  the  New- 
York  corresponding  association,  for  the  promotion  of  internal  im- 
provements, requesting  information  as  to  the  practicability  and  pro- 
bable expense,  of  making  a  canal  acro-^s  the  state  of  Ohio,  from  lake 
Erie  to  the  Ohio  river. 

In  answer  to  your  inquiries,  I  will  refer  you  to  an  essay  on  the 
subject  of  the  contemplated  canal  across  Ohio,  (which  is  herewith 
transmitted  to  you)  which  I  transmitted  to  Governor  Brown,  of  Ohio, 
and  which  was  by  him  laid  before  the  legislature  of  that  state  at  their 
last  session.     The  ideas  contained  in  that  essay  were  hastily  thrown 

.09 


(    '158    ) 

together  during  severe  indisposition  ;  but  I  hare  every  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  they  may  be  relied  on  as  correct. 

The  completion  of  the  Erie  and  Hudson  canal,  and  the  Erie  and 
Ohio  canal,  will  produce  a  complete  revolution  in  the  trade  of  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  the  western  country.  It  will  cement  the  eastern 
and  western  states  together  by  the  strongest  ties  ;  and  if  similar  im- 
provements are  made  throughout  the  United  States,  we  need  not 
dread  a  separation,  of  the  American  union,  which  no  American  can 
desire  to  behold  ;  and  I  wish  that  the  generation  that  witnesses  its 
dissolution,  may  witness  also,  the  world  wrapt  in  flames. 
With  sentiments  of  esteem, 

I  am  yours,  &c. 

W.  STEELE, 


Considerations  on  the  Project  of  a  Canal,  to  Connect  Lake 
Erie  with  the  Ohio  River,  submitted  to  the  Legislature  of 
the  State  of  Ohio. 


NOTHING  can  be  of  more   importance  to  the   state  of  Ohio,  than 
the  making  of  a  navigable  canal   from  Lake  Erie  to  the   Ohio  river. 
That   it  is    practicable  to  make    such   canal  admits  not  of  a  doubt. 
Were  it  made  and  the  Hudson  and  Erie  canal  finished,  we  should 
have  an  easy  and  cheap  highway  on  which  to  transport  our  surplus 
produce  to  the    New- York  market.     I  have  had  the  levels  taken  at 
three  different  places,  from  the  summit  level  between  the  Scicto,  and 
the  Sandusky,  to  the  head  of  Sandusky   Bay  at  Lower    Sandusky. 
From  the  summit  level  on  the  most  favourable  route  for  a  canal  that 
I  am  acquainted  with  to  Lower  Sandusky,  the  descent,  agreeable  to 
the   report  of  Mr.    Farrer,  whom  I  employed    for  the  purpose  of 
taking  the  levels,  is  318  feet.  Mr.  Farrer  had  good    instruments,  and 
I  presume  that  the  levels  are  taken  with  tolerable  accuracy.     By  the 
report  of  the    engineers    employed  by*  the    state  of  Virginia,  they 
make  the  Ohio  river  at   the  mouth  of  the  Great  Kenhawa  river,  83 
feet  lower  than    Lake  Erie.     If  those  levels    are   to  be  relied   on. 
and  we  ascertain    what  is  the   amount    of  the    descent  in  the  Ohio, 
from  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Kenhawa  to  the  point  where  the  canal 
is  intended  to  communicate  with  the  Ohio,  we  will  then  know  what 
will  be  the  whole  amount  of  lockage  required.     If  we  allow  50  feet 
for  that  descent,  the  lockage  will  be  as  follows  :   From  Lake  Erie  to 
the  summit  level  318  feet  :   From  the  summit  level  to  the  Ohio  433 
feet,  making  the  whole  amount  of  lockage  761  feet.     The  estimate 
by  the  commissioners   for  making  the  New-York    canal  is  ^13,80  0 
per  mile.     Owing  to  the  reduction  in  the  price  of  labour,  it  is  found 
that  it  can   be  made  for   much  less  monev.     The  ground  for  mak 


(     459     ) 

iiig  a  canal  across  the  state  of  Ohio,  is  much  more  favourable  thau 
that  over  which  the  New-York  canal  is  now  making.  And  although 
there  would  be  more  lockage  on  the  Ohio  canal  than  on  the  New- 
York  canal,  yet  it  is  believed  that  it  can  be  made  at  less  expense  than 
an  equal  distance  of  the  New  York  canal.  There  would  not  have 
to  be  that  heavy  expense  incurred  in  excavating  rock  that  is  encoun- 
tered on  the  New-York  canal.  When  we  take  into  consideration 
the  low  price  at  which  labour  can  be  had,  and  the  advantage  to  be 
gained  by  the  employment  of  experienced  engineers,  now  employed 
on  the  New- York  canal,  1  think  I  hazard  but  little  in  saying  that  a 
canal  can  be  made  across  this  state  for  ^12,000  per  mile,  if  we 
suppose  the  canal  to  be  200  miles  long,  at  this  rate  it  will  cost 
2,400,000  dollars.  I  am  aware  that  some  will  say  that  the  state  of 
Ohio  is  too  young  and  too  poor  to  undertake  this  mighty  project. 
But  I  deny  that  the  state  of  Ohio  is  either  young  or  poor.  She  con- 
tains at  this  time  more  than  500,000  souls,  and  ranks  the  4th  or 
6th  state  in  the  Union.  Can  a  state  with  such  a  population  be 
young  ?  can  a  state  with  such  a  population  (of  industrious  people  too) 
be  poor  ?  It  has  been  justly  remarked,  "  That  population  is  power, 
and  industry  is  wealth,"  So  1  contend  that  we  are  both  powerful 
and  rich.  If  the  whole  line  of  the  canal  was  divided  into  feet,  it 
would  not  make  (admitting  its  length  to  be  200  miles)  13  1-2  to  each 
man  in  the  state  subject  to  militia  duty.  The  enquiry  by  some  will 
be,  how  is  the  money  to  be  raised  to  dig  this  mighty  ditch  !  Raise 
it  in  the  same  way  the  state  of  New- York  does — borrow  it  on  the 
credit  of  the  state.  Many  there  are,  I  have  no  doubt,  who  will 
doubt  whether  money  can  be  borrowed  on  the  credit  of  the  state  : 
To  such  1  would  say,  go  and  try.  If  we  stand  at  the  base  of  a  hill 
and  look  up  without  making  an  effort  to  ascend  we  will  never  reach 
its  summit,  and  it  may  be  fairly  estimated  on  the  completion  of  the 
canal,  it  will  produce  a  revenue  that  will  discharge  the  interest,  and 
enable  the  state  to  pay  large  annual  instalments  of  the  principal  debt; 
and  in  addition  to  the  instalments,  in  a  few  years,  defray  the  whole 
expenses  of  the  state  government.  The  amount  received  for  toll 
could  be  expended  in  making  the  canal  ;  so,  that  although  it  cost 
2,400,000,  yet  it  might  not  be  necessary  to  borrow  any  thing  like 
that  sum.  The  distribution  of  the  sum  of  money  that  the  canal 
would  cost  among  the  people  of  this  state,  would  give  them  more 
relief  from  their  present  pecuniary  embarrassments,  than  can  be  had 
from  any  laws  that  may  be  enacted  for  that  purpose. 

As  the  lands  in  the  vicinity  of  the  canal  belonging  to  the  general 
government  would  be  greatly  enhanced  in  value,  1  think  it  not  im- 
probable that  congress  will  make  a  donation  to  the  state  of  a  body 
of  land  in  its  vicinity  so  far  as  it  passes  through  their  territory,  if  so, 
it  would  aid  very  much  in  making  it.  the  celebrated  Brindley,  the 
greatest  engineer  that  England,  or  perhaps  the  world  ever  pro- 
duced, Mr.  Philips,  in  his  history  of  inland  navigation,  says,  "  Having 
spoken  of  various  circumstances  of  rivers  before  a  committee  of  the 
House  of  Commons,  in  which  he  seemed  to  treat  all  sorts  of  rivers 


(    460    ) 

with  great  contempt,  a  member  asked  him  for  what  purpose  he  ap- 
prehended n.  ,rs  were  created.  After  considering  a  moment  be- 
fore he  gave  Ins  answer,  replied,  to  feed  navigable  canals."  Such 
was  the  opinion  of  this  great  man,  and  such  indeed  must  have  been 
the  opinions  of  many  others  ;  for  vv^  tind  canals  in  Great  Britain  in 
many  places  running  parallel  with  navigable  rivers.  Persons  unac- 
quainted with  the  ch'^ap  rate*  at  which  goods  are  transported  on  ca- 
nals, are  surprised  when  they  learn  that  a  ton  weight  can  be  trans- 
ported at  the  rate  of  one  cent  per  mile.  The  illustrious  Fulton 
but  a  short  time  previous  to  his  death,  gave  it  as  his  opinion  that 
goods  could  be  transported  on  the  New-York  canal,  when  com- 
pleted, at  the  rate  of  one  cent  per  ton  per  mile.  We  find  him  sup- 
ported in  this  opinion  by  Charles  G  Haines,  Esq.  "  Corresponding 
Secretary  to  the  New-York  Association  for  the  promotion  of  Inter- 
nal improvements."  Col  Haines'  situation  enables  him,  on  this  sub- 
ject, to  form  correct  opinions  ;  his  opinions  on  any  subject  are  enti- 
tled to  great  respect.  Mr.  Philips,  in  the  preface  to  his  history  of 
inland  navigation,  says,  "All  canals  may  be  considered  as  so  many 
roads  of  a  certain  kind,  on  which  one  horse  will  draw  as  much  as  30 
horses  do  on  ordinary  turnpike  roads,  or  on  which  one  man  alone  will 
transport  as  many  goods  as  three  men  and  eighteen  horses  usually 
do  on  common  roads.  The  public  would  be  great  gainers,  (he  fur- 
ther adds)  were  they  to  lay  out  upon  the  making  of  every  mile  of 
canal,  twenty  times  as  much  as  they  expend  upon  making  a  mile  of 
turnpike  road." 

"  Sutcliff  in  his  treatise  on  canals  says,  "  That  within  the  last  25 
years  there  has  been  expended  '>n  canals  in  England,  more  than 
^130,000,000." 

A  country  is  never  made  poorer  by  making  internal  improve- 
ments, even  if  the  people  are  taxed  to  make  them.  If  money  be 
taken  from  the  people  it  is  again  paid  out  among  them  and  kept  in 
circulation.  Were  the  canals  through  Ohio  and  New-York  finished, 
I  have  no  doubt  but  that  two  thirds  of  the  surplus  produce  of  all 
the  country  watered  by  the  Ohio  and  its  tributary  streams  above 
the  Falls,  would  pass  through  them  to  the  New  York  market.  That 
it  would  be  the  interest  of  every  shipper  to  give  the  preference  to 
New-York  is  obvious.  You  have  there  a  healthy  climate,  where 
if  you  think  proper  to  store  up  your  produce,  you  can  do  it  in  safe- 
ty. Not  so  at  New-Orleans  ;  if  you  there  store  up  perishable  ar- 
ticles they  may  be  considered  next  to  lost.  The  amount  of  produce 
that  perishes  on  the  way  to  and  at  New-Orleans,  every  15  years 
.  would  itself  more  than  pay  for  building  a  canal  across  the  state  of 
Ohio.  During  the  spring  tides,  when  the  principal  part  of  the  pro- 
duce of  the  western  country  is  carried  to  New-Orleans  that  market 
is  glutted,  and  the  shipper  is  very  often  pleased  at  being  able  to  re- 
turn home  with  half  the  money  his  cari;o  cost  him. 

If  Mr.  Fulton's  estimate  as  to  the  expense  at  which  goods  can 
be  transported  on  canals  be  correct,  the  expense  of  transporting  a 
barrel  of  flour  to  the  city  of  New-York  (allowing  ten  barrels  for  a 
ton)  will  be  as  follows  : — 


(    461    ) 

Miles.  Cents: 

From  the  Ohio  to  lake  Erie  200  20 

Down  lake  Erie  260  20 

Through  the  New-York  canal  353  35 

Down  the  Hudson  to  the  city  of  New- York  160  15 

Total  973  90 

To  this  must  be  added  the  tollage  through  both  canals. 

The  lowest  rate  at  which  flour  is  at  present  freighted  to  New-Or-* 
leans  from  the  falls  is  ^  i  25  per  barrel.  Nor  is  it  probable  that  the 
price  will  be  reduced,  as  the  boats  which  costs  from  100  to  laO  dol- 
lars is  generally  thrown  away  at  New-Orleans,  or  sold  for  a  sum  not 
exceeding  the  tenth  part  of  their  cost.  Opportunities  but  seldom 
offer  to  ship  in  steam-boats,  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  passing  the  falls. 
It  will  be  recollected,  that  while  our  produce  is  carried  to  New- 
York,  at  the  cheap  rate  quoted  above,  that  our  foreign  goods  can  be 
brought  through  the  same  channel  at  the  same  rates  (whereas,  at 
present,  the  expense  of  transportation  costs  from  3  to  5  cents  per 
lb.  or  from  67  to  112  dollars  per  ton.)  More  or  less  of  these  goods 
the  people  will  have,  and  the  cheaper  the  rates  at  w-hich  they  can 
be  furnished, the  better  for  the  country.  And  besides,  it  must  be  recol- 
lected, that  if  they  are  brought  across  the  mountains  by  way  of 
Pittsburgh,  or  from  New-Orleans,  by  way  of  the  Mississippi  and 
the  Ohio,  that  the  expense  of  transportation  is  paid  to  the  citizens 
of  other  states.  If  they  are  brought  through  the  Ohio  canal,  the 
money  saved  in  the  state  thereby,  would  in  twenty-five  years, 
amount  to  more  than  the  whole  cost  of  the  canal.  It  must  be  ad- 
mitted that  the  risk  on  the  canal  and  lake,  is  much  less  than  on  the 
Ohio  and  Mississippi,  and  the  time  required  to  carry  the  produce 
that  way,  much  less. 

By  turning  the  trade  from  New-Orleans  to  New-York,  we  would 
save  thereby,  the  lives  of  many  of  our  most  enterprising  and  useful 
citizens,  who  would  otherwise  tall  victims  to  the  diseases  of  the 
lower  Mississippi.  The  state  of  Kentucky  has  lost  more  of  her 
citizens  by  the  Orleans  trade  within  the  last  fifteen  ye-ars,  than  she 
has  lost  by  the  late  war,  and  it  is  known,  she  bled  at  every  pore. 

Lateral  canals  may  be  made  from  the  main  canal  in  many  places, 
which  will  serve  to  collect  to  the  main  canal  the  rich  products  oi 
the  soil  through  which  they  pass,  and  at  the  same  time  afford  means 
of  furnishing  the  country  with  many  of  the  necessaries  of  life,  at 
prices  greatly  below  what  they  now  cost  or  ever  will  cost  without  the 
canal,  1  will  only  name  the  article  of  salt  which  by  the  means  of  the 
canal  may  be  furnished  to  the  people  in  the  interior  of  the  state, 
from  the  Salines  of  New-York,  at  a  price,  but  little,  if  any  thing, 
exceeding  fifty  cents  per  bushel.  It  is  impossible  to  calculate  what 
will  be  the  benefits  that  may  be  derived  to  the  people  of  this  state 
by  the  making  of  the  canal.  In  its  progress,  it  will,  no  doubt,  lay 
open  rich  beds  of  minerals.  It  will  lay  us,  as  it  were  along  side  of 
the  Atlantic.  It  will,  in  short,  elevate  the  character  of  the  state, 
and  put  it  half  a  century  in  advance  of  her  present  situation. 


(     462     ) 

And  I  would  respectfully  inquire,  whether  the  convicts  now  in 
the  Penitentiary  naight  not  be  more  usefully  employed  in  making  a 
canal,  than  at  work  in  the  Penitentiary? 

It  only  remains  for  the  legislature  ©f  Ohio  to  apply  the  means 
within  their  reach  to  accomplish  this  desirable  object.  When  ac- 
complished, there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  it  will  produce  a  suffi- 
cient revenue  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  state  government  for 
ever. 

W.  STEELE. 

Cincinnatti,  December  2,  1820. 


An  Act  to  provide  for  the  improvement  of  the  internal  navi- 
gation of  this  state. 

Passed  April  17th,  1816. 

I.  Beit  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  JVew-York,  represented 
inSenate  and  Assembly,  That  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  De  Witt  Clin- 
ton, Samuel  Young,  Joseph  EUicott  and  Myron  Holley,  be  and  they 
are  hereby  appointed  commissioners,  to  consider,  devise  and  adopt 
such  measures  as  may  or  shall  be  requisite,  to  facilitate  and  eifect 
the  communication,  by  means  of  canals  and  locks,  between  the  na- 
vigable waters  of  Hudson's  river  and  lake  Erie,  and  the  said  naviga- 
ble waters  and  lake  Champlain  ;  and  in  case  of  the  resignation  or 
death  of  any  of  the  said  commissioners,  the  vacancy  thereby  occa- 
sioned, shall  be  supplied  by  the  legislature,  in  the  manner  in  which 
senators  of  the  United  States,  from  this  state,  are  directed  to  be 
chosen. 

II.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  commissioners  shall 
choose  one  of  their  number,  to  be  president  of  their  board,  and  shall 
appoint  a  fit  person  for  their  secretary,  who  shall  be  allowed  and 
paid  such  salary  as  the  said  commissioners  shall  deem  proper  and  re- 
sonable  :  And  the  president  of  the  said  board  of  commissioners,  shall 
have  power  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  same  whenever,  in  his  opinion, 
the  public  interests  require  it ;  and  the  said  board  may  adjourn  from 
time  to  time,  to  meet  at  any  time  and  place  they  may  deem  most  con- 
ducive to  the  public  good  :  And  further,  the  said  commissioners  shall 
have  power  to  emploj'  such  and  so  many  agents,  engineers,  survey- 
ors, draftsmen,  and  other  persons,  as  in  their  opinion  may  be  neces- 
sary to  enable  them  to  fulfil  and  discharge  the  duties  imposed  upon 
them  by  this  act,  and  to  allow  and  pay  the  said  agents,  engineers, 
surveyors,  draftsmen,  and  other  persons,  for  their  respective  ser- 
vices, such  sum  or  sums  as  may  be  adequate  and  reasonable. 

III.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said 
commissioners,  as  soon  as  may  be  after  the  passing  of  this  act,  to 
cause  those  parts  of  the  territory  of  this  state  which  may  lie  upon  or 


(    463    ) 

contiguous  to  the  probable  courses  and  ranges  of  the  said  canals,  to 
be  explored  and  examined  for  the  purpose  of  fixing  and  determining 
the  most  eligible  and  proper  routes  for  the  same,  and  to  cause  all  ne- 
cessary surveys  and  levels  to  be  taken,  and  accurate  maps,  fiield  books 
and  drafts  thereof  to  be  made,  and  further  to  adopt  and  recommend 
proper  plans  for  the  construction  and  formation  of  the  said  canals, 
and  of  the  locks,  dams,  embankments,  tunnels  and  aqueducts  which 
may  be  necessary  for  the  completion  of  the  same,  arfd  to  cause  all 
necessary  plans,  drafts  and  models  thereof,  to  be  executed  under  their 
direction. 

IV  Jl7id  be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  said  commissioners  or  a 
majority  of  them,  shall  be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  re- 
quired to  make  application  in  behalf  of  this  state,  to  the  government 
of  the  United  States,  and  of  such  states  and  territories  as  may  be  be- 
nefitted by  the  said  canals  or  either  of  them,  to  the  proprietors  of 
lands  through  or  near  which  the  said  canals  or  either  of  them  may.  or 
may  be  proposed  to  pass,  to  all  bodies  politic  and  corporate,  public 
or  private,  and  all  citizens  or  inhabitants  of  this  or  any  other  of  the 
United  States,  for  cessions,  grants  or  donations  ef  land  or  money,  for 
the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the  construction  or  completing  of  both  or 
either  of  the  said  canals,  according  to  the  discretion  of  the  several 
grantors  or  donors,  and  to  take  to  the  people  of  this  state,  such  grants 
and  conveyances  as  may  be  proper  and  competent  to  vest  a  good  and 
sufficient  title  in  the  said  people  to  the  lands  so  to  be  ceded  or  grant- 
ed as  aforesaid  ;  and  for  the  purposes  above  mentioned,  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  said  commissioners  to  open  books  of  subscription  in  such 
and  so  many  places  as  they  may  think  necessary  and  expedient,  and 
under  such  rule's  and  regulations  as  they  may  from  time  to  time  es- 
tablish ;  And  further,  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  ascertain  whether  to 
any  and  to  what  amount,  and  upon  what  terms  loans  of  money  may 
or  can  be  procured  on  the  credit  of  this  state,  for  the  purposes  afore- 
said. 

V.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said 
commissioners  to  make  or  cause  to  be  made,  with  as  much  accuracy 
and  minuteness  as  may  be,  calculations  and  estimates  of  the  sum  or 
sums  of  money  which  may  or  will  be  necessary  for  completing  each 
of  the  said  canals,  according  to  the  plan  or  plans  which  may  be  adopt- 
ed and  recommended  by  them,  for  the  construction  or  formation  of 
the  same,  and  to  cause  the  said  calculations  and  estimates,  and  all 
surveys,  maps,  field  books,  plans  drafts,  and  models,  authorized  and 
directed  by  this  act,  or  so  many  thereof  as  may  be  completed,  toge- 
ther with  a  plain  and  comprehensive  report  of  all  their  proceedings 
under  and  by  virtue  of  this  act,  to  be  presented  to  the  legislature  of 
this  state  within  twenty  days  after  the  commencement  of  the  next  re- 
gular annual  cession  thereof. 

VI.  Jlnd  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  treasurer  shall  on  the 
warrant  of  the  comptroller,  pay  to  the  order  of  a  majority  of  the 
said  commissioners,  out  of  any  monies  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise 
appropriated,  any  sum  or  sums  not  exceeding  twenty  thousand  do,l- 


(     464     ) 

iars,  and  for  which  the  said  commissioners  shall  account  to  the  comp= 
troller  of  this  state 

VII.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  act  entitled  "an  act  to 
provide  for  the  improvement  of  the  internal  navigation  of  this  state," 
passed  the  8th  day  of  April,  18  <  1,  and  the  act,  entitled  "  an  act  fur- 
ther to  provide  for  the  improvement  of  the  internal  navigation  of 
this  state,"  passed  June  19,  18 i2,  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  re- 
pealed. 


^'in  act  respecting  navigable  communications  between  the  Great 
Western  and  JYorthern  Lakes,  and  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 

Passed  April  15,  1817. 

Whereas  navigable  communications  between  lakes  Erie  and  Cham- 
plain  and  the  Atlantic  ocean,  by  means  of  canals  connected  with  the 
Hudson  river,  will  promote  agriculture,  manufactures  and  commia-ce, 
mitigate  the  calamities  of  war,  and  enhance  the  blessings  of  peace, 
consolidate  the  union,  and  advance  the  prosperity  and  elevate  the 
character  of  the  United  States ;  And  whereas  it  is  the  incumbent  duty 
of  the  people  of  this  state  to  avail  themselves  of  the  means  which  the 
Almighty  has  placed  in  their  hands  for  the  production  of  such  signal, 
extensive,  and  lasting  benefits  to  the  human  race.  Now,  therefore, 
in  tuU  confidence  that  the  congress  of  the  United  States,  and  the 
states  equally  interested  with  this  state,  in  the  commencement,  pro- 
secution and  completion  of  those  important  works,  will  contribute 
their  full  proportion  of  the  expense,  and  in  order  that  adequate  funds 
may  be  provided,  and  properly  arranged  and  managed  for  the  prose-" 
cution  and  completion  of  all  the  navigable  communications  contem- 
plated by  this  act  : 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New-York,  represented  in 
Senate  and  Assembly,  That  there  shall  be  constituted  a  fund  to  be  de- 
nominated the  canal  fund,  which  shall  conjiis*"  of  all  such  appropria- 
tions, grants,  and  donations,  as  may  be  made  for  that  purpose  by  the 
legislature  of  this  state,  by  the  congress  of  the  United  States,  by  in- 
dividual states,  and  by  corporations,  companies  and  individuals ; 
which  fund  shall  be  superintended  and  managed  by  a  board  of  com- 
missioners, to  be  denominated  "the  commissioners  of  the  canal 
fund,"  consisting  of  the  lieutenant-governor,  the  comptroller,  the 
attorney  general,  the  surveyor  general,  secretary  and  treasurer,  a 
majority  of  whom,  with  the  comptroller,  shall  be  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business  ;  and  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said  board, 
to  receive,  arrange  and  manage  to  the  best  advantage,  all  things  be- 
Ipnging  to  the  said  fund  ;  to  borrow  from  time  to  time,  monies  on  the 
credit  of  the  people  of  this  state,  at  a  rate  of  interest  not  exceeding 
six  per  centum  per  annum,  and  not  exceeding  in  any  one  year,  a  sum, 
which  together  with  the  net  income  of  the  said  fuad,  shall  amount  to 


(465     ) 

four  hundred  thousand  dollars,  for  which  monies  so  to  be  borrowed, 
the  comptroller  shall  issue  transferable  certificates  of  stock,  payable 
at  such  time  or  times,  as  may  be  determined  by  the  said  board ;  out 
of  the  said  fund  to  pay  to  the  canal  commissioners  hereafter  mention- 
ed, the  monies  so  to  be  borrowed,  and  the  income  of  the  said  fund, 
reserving  at  all  times  sufficient  to  pay  the  interest  of  all  monies  that 
shall  have  been  borrowed  -by  the  said  board  :  to  recommend  from 
time  to  time  to  the  legislature  the  adoption  of  such  measures  as  may  be 
thought  proper  by  the  said  board  for  the  improvement  of  the  said 
fund,  and  to  report  to  the  legislature  at  the  opening  of  every  session 
thereof,  the  state  of  saidfund  ;  and  that  tl*e  comptroller  and  treasur- 
er shall  open  separate  books,  and  keep  the  accounts  of  the  said  fund, 
distinct  from  the  other  funds  of  the  state. 

And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  commissioners  appointed  by 
the  act,  entitled  "  an  act  to  provide  for  the  improvement  of  the  inter- 
nal navigation  of  this  state, "i  passed  April  17,  1816  shall  contnue  to 
possess  the  powers  thereby  conferred,  and  be  denominated  "  the 
canal  commissioners,"  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  ena- 
powered  in  behalf  of  this  state,  and  on  the  credit  of  the  fund  herein 
pledged,  to  commence  making  the  said  canals,  by  opening  communi- 
cations by  canals  and  locks  between  the  Mohawk  and  Seneca  rivers, 
and  between  lake  Champlain  and  the  Hudson  river  ;  to  receive  from 
time  to  time  from  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund,  such  moneys 
as  may  be  necessary  for,  and  applicable  to  the  objects  hereby  con- 
templated ;  to  cause  the  same  to  be  expended  in  the  most  prudent 
and  economical  manner  in  all  such  works  as  may  be  proper  to  make 
the  said  canals,  and  on  completing  any  part  or  parts  of  the  works  or 
canals  contemplated  by  this  act,  to  establish  reasonable  tolls,  and 
adopt  all  measures  necessary  for  the  collection  and  payment  thereof 
to  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  :  that  a  majority  of  the  said 
commissioners  shall  be  a  board  for  the  transaction  of  business,  each 
of  whom  shall  take  an  oath,  well  and  faithfully  to  execute  the  duties 
of  his  office,  and  shall  report  to  the  legislature  at  each  session  there- 
of, the  state  of  said  works  and  expenditures,  and  recommend  such 
measures  as  they  may  think  advisable  for  the  accomplishment  of 
the  objects  intended  by  this  act.  And  in  case  of  any  vacancy  in  the 
office  of  commissioner,  during  the  recess  of  the  legislature,  the  per- 
son administering  the  government  may  appoint  a  person  to  fill  such 
vacancy,  until  the  legislature  shall  act  in  th«  premises. 

And  he  it  further  enacted.  That  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for 
the  said  canal  commissioners,  aud  each'of  them,  by  themselves,  and 
by  any  and  every  superintendent,  agent  and  engineer  employed  by 
them,  to  enter  upon,  and  take  possession  of,  and  use  all  and  singular 
any  lands,  waters  and  streams,  necessary  for  the  prosecution  of  the 
improvements  intended  by  this  act.  And  to  make  all  such  canals, 
feeders,  dykes,  locks,  dams,  and  other  works  and  devices,  as  they 
may  think  proper  for  making  said  improvements,  doing,  neverthe- 
less, no  unnecessary  damage.  And  that  in  case  any  lands,  waters  or 
streams,  taken  and  appropriated  for  any  of  the  purposes  afor^aid 

60 


(     466     ) 

shall  not  be  given  or  granted  to  the  people  of  this  state,  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  canal  commissioners,  from  time  to  time,  and  as  often  as 
they  think  reasonable  and  proper,  to  cause  applications  to  be  made 
to  the  justices  of  the  supreme  court,  or  any  two  of  them,  for  the  ap- 
pointment of  appraisers,  and  the  said  justices  shall  thereupon,  by  wri- 
ting, appoint  not  less  than  three,  nor  more  than  five  discreet,  disin- 
terested persons  as  appraisers,  who  shiill,  before  they  enter  upon 
the  duties  of  their  appointment,  severally  take  and  subscribe  an 
oath  or  affirmation,  before  some  person  authorised  to  administer 
oaths,  faithfully  and  impartially  to  perform  the  trust  and  duties  re- 
quired of  them  by  this  acte  Which  oath  or  affirmation  shall  be  filed 
vrith  the  secretary  of  the  canal  commissioners  ;  and  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  said  appraisers,  or  a  majoritj'  of  them  to  make  a  just 
and  equitable  estimate  and  appraisal  of  the  loss  and  damage,  if  any 
over  and  above  the  benefit  and  advantage  to  the  respective  owners 
and  proprietors  or  parties  interested  in  the  premises  so  required  for 
the  purposes  aforesaid, 'by  and  in  consequence  of  making  and  con- 
structing any  of  the  works  aforesaid  ;  and  the  said  appraisers,  or  a 
majority  of  them,  shall  make  regular  entries  of  their  determination 
and  appraisal,  with  an  apt  and  sufficient  description  of  the  several 
premises  appropriated  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  in  a  book  or  books 
to  be  provided  and  keptbj'  the  canal  commissioners,  and  certify  and 
sign  their  names  to  such  entries  and  appraisal,  and  in  like  manner 
certifiy  their  determination  as  to  those  several  premises,  which  will 
suffer  no  damages,  or  will  be  benefited  more  than  injured,  by  or  in 
consequence  of  the  works  aforesaid.  And  the  canal  commissioners 
shall  pa}*^  the  damages  so  to  be  assessed  and  appraised,  and  the  fee 
simple  of  the  premises  so  appropriated,  shall  be  vested  in  the  peo- 
ple of  this  state. 

And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  whenever  in  the  opinion  of  the 
canal  comjnissioners,  it  shall  be  for  the  interest  of  this  state,  for  the 
prosecution  of  the  works  contemplated  by  this  act,,  that  all  the  inte- 
rest and  title  (if  any)  in  law  and  equity  of  the  western  inland  lock 
navigation  company  should  be  vested  in  the  people  of  this  state,  it 
shall  be  lawful  for  the  said  canal  commissioners  to  pass  a  resolution 
to  that  effect ;  and  that  it  shall  then  be  lawful  for  the  president  of 
the  canal  commissioners,  to  cause  a  copy  of  such  resolution,  with  a 
notice  signed  by  himself  and  the  secretary  of  the  said  commissioners 
to  be  delivered  to  the  president  or  other  known  officer  of  said  com- 
pany, notifying  the  president  and  directors  of  the  said  company 
that  an  application  will  be  made  to  the  justices  of  the  supreme 
court,  at  a  term  thereof,  to  be  held  not  1-ess  than  thirty  days  from  the 
time  of  giving  such  notice  for  the  appointment  of  appraisers,  to  esti- 
mate the  damages  to  be  sustained  by  the  said  company,  by  investing 
in  the  people  of  this  state,  all  the  lands,  waters,  canals,  locks,  feeders 
and  appurtenances  thereto  acquired,  used  and  claimed  by  the  said 
company,  under  its  act  of  incorporation,  and  the  several  acts  amend- 
ing the  same  ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  justices  aforesaid,  at 
the  term  mentioned  in  the  said  notice,  and  on  proof  of  the  service, 
thereof  to  appoint  by  writing  under  the  seal  of  the  said  court,  and 


:(    467    ) 

the  hands  of  at  least  three  of  the  said  justices,  not  less  than  three 
nor  more  than  five  disinterested  persons,  being  citizens  of  the  United 
States,  to  estimate  and  appraise  the  damages  aforesaid  ;  and  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  said  appraisers,  or  a  majority  of  them,  to  estimate 
and  appraise  the  damages  aforesaid,  and  severally  to  certify  the  same 
under  oath,  before  an  officer  authorized  to  take  the  acknowledgment 
of  deeds,  to  be  a  just,  equitable  and  impartial  appraisal  to  the  best  of 
their  judgement  and  belief,  and  shall  thereupon  deliver  the  sanle  to 
one  of  the  canal  commissioners,  who  shall  report  th<e  same  to  the 
said  court ;  and  if  the  said  court  shall  be  of  opinion,  that  the  said 
damages  have  been  fairly  and  equitably  assessed,  the  said  justices 
or  any  three  of  them,  may  certify  the  same  on  the  said  report,  and 
the  amount  of  the  said  damages,  and  the  expense  of  the  said  apprais- 
al shall  be  audited  by  the  comptroller,  and  paid  on  his  warrant  by 
the  treasurer  out  of  the  canal  fund.  And  the  people  of  this  state 
shall  thereupon  be  invested  with,  and  the  said  canal  commissioners 
may  cause  to  be  used,  all  the  lands,  waters,  streams,  canals,  locks, 
feeders  and  appurtenances  aforesaid,  for  the  purposes  intended  by 
this  act. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  for  the  purposes  contemplated  by 
this  act,  and  for  the  payment  of  the  interest,  and  final  redemption  of 
the  principal,  of  the  sums  to  be  borrowed  by  virtue  thereof,  there 
shall  be  and  hereby  are  appropriated  and  pledged,  a  duty  or  tax,  of 
twelve  and  a  half  cents  per  bushel  upon  all  salt  to  be  manufactured  in 
the  western  district  of  this  state  ;  a  tax  of  one  dollar  upon  each  steam 
boat  passenger,  for  each  and  every  trip  or  voyage,  such  passenger 
may  be  conveyed  upon  the  Hudson  river,  on  board  of  any  steam  boat, 
over  one  hundred  miles  ;  and  half  that  sum  for  any  distance  less  than 
one  hundred  miles  and  over  thirty  miles  ;  the  proceeds  of  all  lotteries 
which  shall  he  drawn  in  this  state,  after  the  sums  now  granted  upon 
them  shall  be  paid  ;  all  the  net  proceeds  of  this  state  from  the  western 
Inland  lock  Navigation  company  :  all  the  net  proceeds  of  the  said  ca- 
nals and  each  part  thereof  when  made  ;  all  grants  and  donations  made 
or  to  be  made  for  the  purpose  of  making  the  said  canals  ;  all  the  du- 
ties upon  sales  at  auction,  after  deducting  thereout  twenty  three  thou- 
sani)  and  five  hundred  dollars,  annually  appropriated  to  the  hospital, 
the  economical  school,  and  the  orphan  asylum  society,  and  ten  thou- 
sand f<ol!ars  hereby  appropriated  annually  for  the  support  of  foreign 
pool  nn  the  city  of  Nevv-York. 

And  be  if  further  enacted,  That  from  and  after  the  first  Tuesday  of 
August  next,  there  shall  be  paid  and  collected  in  the  manner  now  di- 
rected by  law,  'jpon  ails?li  to  be  manufactured  in  the  connty  of  On- 
ondaga, a  duty  of  twelve  and  a  half  cents  per  bushel,  instead  of  the 
present  duties,  and  the  like  tax  or  duty  of  twelve  and  a  half  cents 
per  bushel,  upon  ail  other  salt  to  be  inai-'ufartured  in  the  western 
district  of  this  state,  which  shaU  be  colloced  by  the  .superii\tendent 
of  the  salt  springs^  until  otherwise  directed  by  tf.o  legislature  ;  and 
for  that  purpose  he  shall  have  a  respoMslMe  deputy  residin'^,-  at  each 
place  where  salt  is,  or  may  be  manufactured,  with  the  like  powers, 


(    468    ) 

and  subject  to  the  like  duties  as  his  present  deputies  :  and  that  all  the 
provisions,  forfeitures,  penalties,  and  restrictions  contained  in  the 
laws  relative  to  the  duties  upon  Onondaga  salt,  so  far  as  the  same  may 
be  applicable,  shall  be  in  force  for  the  purposes  of  enforcing  the  pay- 
ment and  collection  of  the  tax  or  duties  imposed  on  salt,  hereby  levi- 
ed and  imposed  ;  and  further,  that  the  said  superintendent,  instead  of 
a  yearly  report  to  the  legislature,  shall  make  a  quarter-yearly  re- 
port to  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund,  and  pay  into  the  trea- 
sury of  this  state,  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  February,  May,  August, 
and  November,  in  each  year,  all  the  monies  collected  by  him  during 
the  quarter  preceding  each  of  those  days,  deducting,  in  addition  t<;t, 
what  by  law  is  now  allowed  to  be  deducted,  five  per  cent  of  the  du- 
ties collected  at  all  other  salt  works,  not  situated  in  the  county  of 
Onondaga,  and  two  per  cent  of  the  duties  upon  Onondaga  salt,  as  a 
compensation  for  the  collecting,  and  paying  over  the  same. 

A7id  be  it  further  enacted.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said  ca- 
tfal  commissioners,  to  raise  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars,  to  be  appropriated  towards  the  making  and  completing 
of  the  said  canals,  from  the  Mohawk  river,  to  the  Seneca  river,  and 
from  lake  Champlain  to  Hudson's  river,  by  causing  to  be  assessed 
and  levied  in  such  manner  as  the  said  commissioners  may  determine 
and  direct,  the  said  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars, 
upon  the  lands  and  real  estate,  lying  along  the  route  of  the  said  ca- 
nals, and  within  twenty-five  miles  of  the  same,  on  each  side  thereof: 
which  sum  so  to  be  assessed  and  levied,  shall  be  assessed  on  the  said 
lands  and  real  estate  adjacent  to  the  said  several  canals,  in  such 
proportion  for  each,  as  the  said  commissioners  shall  determine.  And 
the  said  commissioners  shall  have  power  to  make  such  ruies  and  re- 
gulations, and  ado^tsuch  measures  for  the  assessing,  levying  and  col- 
lecting the  sum  or  sums  of  money,  either  by  sale  of  the  said  lands, 
or  otherwise,  as  they  shall  deem  meet,  and  the  said  assessment  shall 
be  made  on  said  lands,  according  to  the  benefit  which  they  shall  be 
considered  by  the  said  commissioners,  as  deriving  from  the  making 
of  the  said  canals  respectively:  Provided,  That  such  rules,  regula- 
tions and  measures,  shall,  before  they  are  carried  into  effect,  be 
sanctioned  and  approved  by  the  chancellor,  and  judges  of  the  su- 
preme court,  or  a  majority  of  them  :  And  provided  further,  That  if 
any  company  or  individual  subject  to  such  tax,  shall  subscribe  any 
money  or  other  property  towards  the  completion  of  the  said  canals, 
the  amount  of  such  donations  or  voluntary  subscriptions,  shall,  if  the 
same  is  less  than  the  amount  of  the  tax,  be  deducted  therefrom, 
and  if  more,  he  or  they  shall  be  entirely  discharged  from  the  said 
tax. 

'>-  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  from  and  after  the  first  day  of 
May  next,  the  aforesaid  tax  upon  steam-boat  passengers,  shall  be  de- 
manded, taken  and  received,  by  each  captain,  or  master  of  every 
steam-boajt  navigating  the  Hudson  river;  and,  that  during  each  month 
thereafter,  in  which  such  boat  shall  be  employed  for  the  conveyance 
itff  passengers,  it  shall   be  the  duty  of  such   captain  or  master,  to 


(  469    ) 

cause  to  be  delivered  to  the  comptroller  of  this  state,  a  return  or 
account,53ivorn  to,  before  some  oflBcer  authorized  to  administer  oaths, 
stating  the  name  of  the  boat,  the  number  of  trips  made  by  such  boat 
during  such  month,  and  the  whole  number  of  passengers  conveyed 
on  board  such  boat,  at  each  of  the  said  trips,  over  one  hundred  miles, 
and  the  number  conveyed  less  than  one  hundred  miles,  and  over 
thirty  miles,  and  pay  into  the  treasury  of  this  state,  the  amount  of 
such  tax  collected  during  the  time  mentioned  in  the  said  return,  de- 
ducting three  per  cent  thereof,  as  a  compensation  for  making  such 
return,  and  collecting  and  paying  over  the  said  tax  ;  And  further. 
That  in  case  of  any  neglect  or  refusal,  in  making  such  return  or  col- 
lecting and  paying  over  the  tax  as  directed  in  and  by  this  section,  the 
captain  or  master  so  neglecting,  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of  five 
hundred  dollars,  besides  the  amount  of  tax  so  directed  to  be  collect- 
ed and  paid  over,  to  be  recovered  in  an  action  of  debt  in  the  name 
of  the  people  of  this  state,  and  for  tbe  use  of  the  aforesaid  fund. 


jin  Act  concerning  the  Great    Western  and  JVorthern  Canals, 

Passed  April  7,  1819. 

I.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  state  of  New-York,  represented 
in  Senate  and  Assembly,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  commission- 
ers of  the  canal  fund,  in  addition  to  the  sums  vehich  they  are  al- 
ready authorized  to  borrow,  to  borrow  from  time  to  time  monies 
on  the  credit  of  the  state,  at  a  rate  not  exceeding  six  per  centum  per 
annum,  and  not  exceeding  in  any  one  year  a  sum,  which  together 
with  the  net  income  of  the  canal  fund,  and  with  the  sums  which  they 
are  already  authorized  to  borrow  shall  amount  to  six  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars  ;  for  which  monies  so  to  be  borrowed,  certificates  of 
stock  shall  be  issued  in  the  manner  directed  in  and  by  the  act,  enti- 
tled "  an  act  to  improve  the  funds,  and  to  provide  for  the  redemp- 
tion of  the  funded  debt  of  this  state,"  payable  at  such  time  or  times 
as  maybe  determined  by  the  said  board,  out  of  the  said  canal  fund, 
and  to  pay  to  the  canal  commissioners  the  monies  so  to  be  borrow- 
ed. 

II.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  canal  commissioners  be 
and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  empowered,  in  behalf  of  this 
state,  and  on  the  credit  of  the  canal  fund,  to  proceed  to  open  com- 
munications by  canals  and  locks,  between  the  Seneca  river  and 
lake  Erie  ;  between  such  point  on  the  Mohawk  river,  where  the 
middle  section  of  the  great  western  canal  shall  terminate  and  the 
Hudson  river ;  between  Fort  Edward  and  the  navigable  waters  of 
the  Hudson  river,  and  between  the  great  western  canal  and  the  salt 
works  in  the  village  of  Salina  ;  to  receive  from  time  to  time  from 
the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  such  monies  as  may  be  necessary 
for  and  applicable  to  the  object?  hereby  contemplated  ;  to  cause  the 


(     470     ) 

same  to  be  expended  in  the  most  economical  and  prudent  manner 
in  all  such  works  as  may  be  proper  to  make  the  said  canals  and  locks, 
and  completing  any  of  the  works  contemplated  by  this  act ;  to  estab- 
lish reasonable  tolls,  and  adopt  all  measures  necessary  for  the  col- 
lection and  payment  thereof  to  the  commissioners  of  the  canal 
fund. 

III.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  all  the  provisions  of  the 
third  section  of  the  act,  entitled  "  an  act  respecting  navigable  com- 
munications between  the  great  western  and  northern  lakes  and  ihe 
Atlantic  ocean,"  as  it  respects  the  powers  of  the  canal  commission- 
ers to  enter  upon  and  take  possession  of  the  lands,  waters  and  streams 
therein  mentioned,  the  construction  of  all  necessary  artificial  works 
thereon,  the  mode  of  estimating  and  appraising  the  loss  and  damage 
occasioned  thereby  to  the  owners  and  proprietors  of  such  lands  ;  and 
the  payment  of  the  damages  to  be  so  assessed  and  appraised,  shall 
be  extended  to  and  apply  to  all  and  singular  any  lands,  waters  and 
streams  necessary  for  the  prosecution  of  the  improvements  intended 
by  this  act ;  and  the  same  proceedings  shall  be  had  for  estimating 
and  appraising  the  loss  and  damage  occasioned  by  the  occupation 
thereof,  and  for  payment  of  the  same,  as  in  and  by  the  third  section 
of  said  act  is  provided  in  relation  to  the  lands  therein  mentioned. 

IV.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  every  person  actually  engaged 
in  labouring  on  either  of  the  canals  authorized  by  this  act,  or  the  act 
respecting  navigable  communications  between  the  great  western  and 
northern  lakes  and  the  Atlantic  ocean,  shall  be  exempt  from  doing 
militia  duty  in  this  state,  except  in  cases  of  insurrection  or  invasion, 
during  the  time  when  he  is  so'actually  engaged;  and  the  certificate  of 
one  of  the  canal  commissioners  or  contractors  who  shall  employ  such 
men  so  liable  to  peform  militia  duty,  in  the  performance  of  their  con- 
tracts, shall  be  prima  facie  evidence  of  such  engagement. 

V.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  1  hat  the  assessments  upon  certain 
lands  which  are  directed  to  be  made  by  the  seventh  section  of  the 
act  respecting  navigable  communications  between  the  great  western 
and  northern  lakes  and  the  Atlantic  ocean,  shall  be  suspended  until 
the  further  order  of  the  legislature  thereon  :  And  further.  That 
whenever  the  legislature  shall  direct  the  assessment  and  collection  of 
such  tax,  a  similar  tax  shall  be  assessed  and  collected  on  the  sections 
authorized  by  this  act,  and  on  the  like  principles  as  declared  in  said 
seventh  section. 

VI.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
canal  commissioners,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  February,  in  each 
and  every  year,  to  settle  and  account  with  the  comptroller  for  all 
monies  by  them  received  from  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  ; 
and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  comptroller  to  report  the  settlement  so 
made  to  the  legislature,  as  soon  thereafter  as  may  be,  detailing  the 
sums  allowed  by  them  to  the  engineers,  agents  and  servants,  respec- 
tively employed  in  the  superintendence  and  construction  of  said 
canal  and  the  works  connected  therewith. 

VII.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  there  shall  be  allowed  and 
paid  to  such  of  the  canal  commissioners  (to  be  designated  by  the 


(    471    ) 

board,  and  not  to  exceed  three  in  any  one  year)  as  shall  be  actually 
engaged  in  the  superintendence  of  the  works  and  the  immediate 
duties  connected  therewith,  in  full  compensation  for  their  services 
and  personal  expenses,  a  salary  of  twenty-five  hundred  dollars  each 
a  year,  to  commence  on  the  first  day  of  January  last. 

STATE  OF  NEW-YORK,  > 

Secretary's  Office.  ^ 

I  certify  the  preceding  to  be  a  true  copy  of  an  original 
act  of  the  legislature  of  this  state,  on  file  in  this  office. 

ARCHIBALD  CAMPBELL,  Dep.  Secretary. 
Albany,  April  Q,\8\9. 


An  Act  for  the  maintenance  and  protection  of  the  Erie  and  Champlain 
Canals,  and  the  works  connected  therewith. 

Passed  April  13,  1820. 

1 .  Be  it  enacted  by  the  people  of  the  State  of  J^ew-York,  represented 
in  Senate  and  Assembly,  That  in  all  cases  when  a  new  road  or  public 
highway  is  laid  out;  by  legal  authority,  in  such  direction  as  to  cross 
the  line  of  the  Erie  canal,  Champlain  canal,  or  the  Salina  side  cut, 
after  said  line  is  established,  and  in  such  manner  as  to  require  the 
erection  of  a  new  bridge  over  either  of  the  said  canals,  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  said  road,  such  bridge  shall  be  so  constructed  and 
forever  maintained  at  the  expense  of  the  town  in  which  such  bridge 
is  to  be  situated  :  Provided  however,  that  no  bridge  shall  be  con- 
structed across  either  of  the  said  canals,  without  first  obtaining  for 
the  model  and  location  thereof,  the  consent  in  writing  of  one  of  the 
acting  commissioners,  or  the  principal  engineer  of  the  canal  to  be 
intersected  by  said  road  ;  And  provided,  that  if  any  person  or  per- 
sons, shall  undertake  to  construct  or  locate  such  bridge  without 
such  consent,  and  shall  proceed  therein,  so  far  as  to  place  any  ma- 
terials for  that  purpose  on  either  bank  of  the  canal,  or  on  the  bottom 
thereof,  he  or  they  shall  be  subject  to  a  penalty  of  fifty  dollars  for 
such  undertaking,  and  either  of  said  commissioners  or  engineers 
shall  be  authorized  to  remove  all  such  materials  so  soon  as  they  are 
discovered,  wholly  without  the  banks  of  the  canal. 

2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  every  person  who  shall  lead, 
drive,  or  ride,  any  horse,  ox,  ass,  mule,  or  other  cattle  upon  the 
towing-path,  or  the  bank  opposite  to  the  towing-path,  of  either  of 
the  said  canals,  except  for  the  purpose  of  towing  boats  or  other  float- 
ing things  upon  the  waters  thereof,  and  except,  for  the  purpose  of 
conveying  articles  to  and  from  the  said  canals,  in  order  to  their  trans- 
portion  on  the  waters  of  the  same  or  their  delivery  at  their  place  of 
destination,  shall  forfeit  for  every  offence,  the  sum  of  five  dollars, 


(    472    ) 

and  pay  all  damages  consequent  upon  such  offence  over  and  above 
the  said  forfeiture  !  and  in  case  of  default,  in  the  immediate  payment 
of  such  forfeiture,  after  conviction  of  said  offence,  such  person  or 
persons  shall  be  liable  to  imprisonment  in  the  gaol  of  the  county 
where  such  offence  shall  be  committed,  for  a  term  not  exceeding  thir- 
ty days,  at  the  discretion  of  the  court  before  whom  such  conviction 
shall  be  had. 

3.  And  whereas  it  may  hapT^en  thai  the  said  canal,  or  the  works 
connected  therewith,  may  be  injured  by  unforeseen  accidents,  where- 
by the  navigation  may  be  interrupted,  and  the  lands  adjacent  there- 
to may  be  exposed  to  damage  ;  therefore,  Be  it  further  enacted,  for 
the  speedy  reparation  of  such  injury,  that  whenever,  and  as  often  as 
such  case  shall  happen,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  said  commissioners, 
or  either  of  them,  or  of  their  engineers,  or  any  other  person  em- 
ployed by  either  of  them,  with  carts,  waggons,'  or  other  carriages, 
with  their  beasts  of  draft  or  burthen,  and  all  necessary  tools  and  im- 
plements, to  enter  upon  any  lands  contiguous  to  the  said  canals,  or 
the  works  connected  therewith  and  to  dig  for,  work,  to  get  and 
carry  away,  and  use,  all  such  stone,  gravel,  clay,  timber  and  other 
materials  as  may  be  necessary  or  proper,  in  their  opinion,  for 
such  reparation,  doing  as  little  damage  thereby  as  the  nature  of 
the  case  will  permit.  And  in  case  damages  shall  be  claimed  by 
the  owner  or  owners  of  any  land,  entered  upon  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  materials  as  aforesaid,  and  the  said  commissioners,  or  either 
of  them,  or  the  principal  engineer  of  that  portion  of  either  of  said 
canals,  where  such  injury  may  have  occurred,  cannot  agree  with 
such  owner  or  owners  as  to  the  amount  of  said  damages,  then,  for 
the  purpose  of  ascertaining  that  amount,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  either 
of  the  said  acting  commissioners,  or  for  such  engineer",  to  select  one 
discreet  free-holder  of  the  county  wherein  such  damages  may  be 
claimed,  and  such  owner  or  owners  another,  and  these  two  free- 
holders shall  select  a  third,  which  three,  after  being  severally  sworn, 
before  any  person  authorized  to  administer  oaths,  faithfully  and  im- 
partially to  assess  said  damages,  shall  proceed  to  inquire  into  said 
damages,  and  after  having  ascertained  the  same  by  the  concurrent 
opinion  of  any  two  or  all  of  the  said  freeholders,  they  shall  certify 
the  same  in  writing  under  their  hands  and  seals,  or  the  hands  and 
seals  of  any  two  of  them  ;  and  the  amount  of  damages  thus  certified, 
shall  be  paid  to  such  owner  or  owners,  by  the  said  commissioners, 
within  ten  days  after  said  certificate  shall  be  delivered  to  them,  or  as 
soon  thereafter  as  they  shall  be  in  funds ;  and  proof  of  such  pay- 
ment, or  of  the  offer  of  such  payment,  in  case  of  refusal  to  re- 
ceive the  same,  on  the  part  of  such  owner  or  owners,  shall  for  ever 
discharge  the  said  commissioners  and  their  engineers,  and  all  per- 
sons employed  by  them,  from  all  claims  for  entering  upon  such  land, 
and  taking  and  using  materials  as  aforesaid  ;  and  in  case  the  amount 
of  damages  certified  by  said  freeholders,  in  any  case,  shall  fall  short 
of  the  sum  offered  for  such  damages  by  said  commissioners  or  engi- 
neer, previously  to  the  selection  of  said  freeholders,  then  the  cost  of 


(     473     ) 

all  proceedings  after  such  offer,  shall  be  deducted  from  the  amount 
of  damages  so  certified,  and  said  commissioners  shall  be  required  to 
pay  to  said  owner  or  owners,  no  more  than  the  residue  of  said 
damages  after  the  deduction  of  such  cost ;  but  in  case  the  amount  of 
damages  so  certified,  shall  exceed  such  previous  offer,  then  all 
such  cost  shall  be  paid  by  said  commissioners  over  and  above  the 
damages  so  certified  :  and  the  said  freeholders  shall  each  be  entitled 
for  his  services,  the  sum  of  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents,  for  each  assess- 
ment of  damages,  and  if  more  days  than  one  are  required  to  ascer- 
tain and  assess  said  damages,  then  each  of  said  freeholders  shall  be 
entitled  to  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents  per  day,  for  every  day  thus  re- 
quired. 

4.  And  be  if  further  enacted.  That  every  boatman  or  other  per- 
son having  charge  of  any  boat  or  other  floating  thing,  upon  either 
of  the  said  canals,  which  shall  pass  through  any  lock  thereon  in  de- 
scending from  a  higher  to  a  lower  level,  shall  previously  to  moving 
his  boat  or  other  floating  thing  into  any  lock,  shut  the  lower  gates 
of  such  lock,  and  the  paddles  thereto  belonging,  before  he  shall  open 
the  upper  gates,  or  draw  or  open  the  paddles  thereof,  or  open  the 
culvert  gates  of  the  head  of  said  lock,  and  after  he  shall  have  moved 
his  boat  or  other  floating  thing  into  said  lock,  he  shall  then  shut  the 
upper  gates  thereof,  and  the  paddles  thereof,  and  the  gates  of  the 
culverts  belonging  to  the  head  thereof,  before  he  shall  draw  or  open 
the  paddles  of  the  lower  gates  thereof;  and  immediately  after  such 
boatman  or  other  person  shall  have  moved  his  boat  or  other  float- 
ing thing,  through*  any  lock  either  waj^  and  shall  have  emptied  such 
lock,  he  shall  securely  shut  all  the  passages  for  water  into  and  out 
of  said  lock,  contrived  for  the  purpose  of  filling  or  emptying  the 
same  :  And  at  all  times,  boats  or  other  floating  things  going  up  the 
said  canals,  if  within  sight  of  any  boat  or  other  floating  thing  com- 
ing down,  and  at  a  distance  not  exceeding  one  hundred  yards  below 
any  lock  shall  pass  through  such  lock  before  the  boat  or  other  float- 
ing thing  above  such  lock,  shall  come  down  ;  and  if  there  shall  be 
more  boats  or  other  floating  things  than  one  below  and  one  above 
any  lock,  at  the  same  time,  within  the  distance  aforesaid,  such  boats 
or  other  floating  things  shall  go  up  and  come  down  through  such  locks 
by  turns,  as  aforesaid,  until  they  shall  a^l  have  passed  the  same,  in 
order  that  one  lock  full  of  water  may  serve  two  boats  or  other  float- 
ing things.  And  if  any  boatman  or  other  person  shall  offend  against 
either  of  the  provisions  of  this  section,  he  shall  forfeit  for  every 
such  ofi'ence  the  sum  of  twenty-five  dollars. 

5.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  if  any  boat  or  other  floating- 
thing  shall  be  so  moored,  in  either  of  the  s?id  canals,  as  to  obstruct 
the  navigation  thereof  or  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  obstruct  the 
navigation  of  either  of  the  said  canals,  by  means  of  the  loading, un- 
loading, misplacing  or  otherwise  misconducting  any  boat  or  other 
floating  thing,  and  shall  not  immediately,  upon  being  requested  there- 
to by  any  commissioner,  engineer,  superintendent  or  agent  employed 
on  said   canals,  or  by  any  person   incommoded  by    said  obstruction, 

61 


(    474    ) 

remove  the  same,  the  boatman  or  person   who  caused  said  obstruc 
tion,  shall  forfeit  for  every  such  offence,  the  sum  of  twenty-five  dol- 
lars, over  and  above  the  expense  of  removing  said  obstruction. 

6.  Afid  be  it  further  enacted,  That  if  any  person  shall  obstruct  the 
navigation  of  either  of  the  said  canals,  by  sinking  any  vessel,  timber, 
stone,  earth  or  other  thing  or  things,  to  the  bottom  of  either  of  said 
canals,  or  by  placing  any  obstruction  on  the  towing  path  thereof,  or  on 
the  bank  opposite  the  towing  path  thereof,  such  person  shall  forfeit 
for  every  such  offence,  the  sura  of  twenty-five  dollars  ;  and  in  case 
such  forfeiture  is  not  paid  forthwith,  on  conviction  of  such  offence, 
such  convict  shall  be  imprisoned  in  the  gaol  of  the  county  where 
such  offence  may  be  committed,  upon  the  warrant  of  any  court  be- 
fore whom  such  conviction  may  be  had,  for  the  term  of  one  calen- 
der month. 

7.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  if  any  person  or  persons  shall 
wantonly  or  unnecessarily  open  or  shut,  or  cause  to  be  opened  or 
shut,  any  lock  gate,  or  any  paddle  or  culvert  gate  thereof,  or  any 
waste  gate,  or  drive  any  nails,  spikes,  pins  or  wedges  into  either  of 
the  said  gates,  or  take  any  other  mode  of  preventing  the  perfect  and 
free  use  of  either  of  the  said  gates,  or  shall  wantonly  or  maliciously 
break,  throw  down  or  destroy  any  bridge  or  fence,  on  either  of  the 
said  canals,  such  person  or  persons  shall,  for  every  such  offence, 
forfeit  the  sum  of  fifty  dollars,  and  be  imprisoned  in  the  gaol  of  the 
county  where  such  offence  may  be  committed,  upon  the  warrant  of 
the  court  before  whom  a  conviction  for  such  offence  shall  be  had,  for 
a  term  not  less  than  one,  nor  more  than  three  calerfder  months. 

8.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  if  any  person  or  persons  shall 
wilfully  and  maliciously  break,  throw  down  or  destroy  any  lock,  bank, 
waste-weir,  dam,  aqueduct  or  culvert,  belonging  to  either  of  the 
said  canals,  such  person  or  persons  shall,  for  every  such  offence, 
pay  all  the  damages  arising  from  such  breaking,  throwing  down  or 
destroying,  and  on  conviction  thereof,  before  any  court  of  general 
sessions  of  the  peace,  or  (^ourt  of  oyer  and  terminer  to  be  held  in  the 
county  where  such  offence  may  be  committed,  shall  be  sentenced  to 
imprisonment  in  the  state  prison,  at  hard  labour,  for  any  term  not 
less  than  three  years,  in  the  discretion  of  the  court  before  whom 
such  conviction  shall  be  had. 

9.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  in  all  cases  where  any  boat  or 
other  floating  thing,  in  passing  on  either  of  the  said  canals,  shall  meet 
with  any  other  boat  or  other  floating  thing,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
boatman  or  person  having  charge  of  each  of  said  boats,  or  other 
floating  things,  to  turn  out  to  the  right  hand,  so  far  as  to  give  to  each 
other  a  free  passage,  or  as  to  be  wholly  on  the  right  side  of  the  centre 
of  the  canal :  and  in  all  cases  when  any  boat  or  other  floating  thing 
shall  approach  any  place  on  either  of  the  said  canals,  which  is  less 
than  thirty  feet  wide  at  the  top  water  line,  or  which  will  not  safely 
permit  their  passing,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  boatman  or  person 
having  charge  of  the  boat  or  other  floating  thing,  going  from  the 
navigable  waters  of  the  Hudson  river,  to  wait  at  such  distance  from 


J 


(    475     ) 

such  narrow  place  as  may  be  convenient  for  the  boat  or  other  floating 
thing,  going  towards  the  said  navigable  waters,  to  pass  through  said 
narrow  place,  until  such  passage  is  eflfected  ;  and  every  boatman  or 
other  person  violating  either  of  the  provisions  of  this  section,  shall 
forfeit,  for  every  such  offence,  the  sum  of  ten  dollars. 

10.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  no  boat  or  other  floating  thing 
shall  be  permitted  to  move  on  either  of  the  said  canals,  without  per- 
mission in  writing  of  a  majority  of  the  canal  commissioners,  faster 
than  at  the  rate  of  five  miles  an  hour  ;  and  that  in  all  cases  in  which 
a  boat  intended  and  used  chiefly  for  the  carriage  of  persons  and  their 
baggage,  shall  overtake  any  boat  or  other  floating  thing,  not  intended 
or  used  chiefly  for  such  purpose,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  boatman 
or  person  having  charge  of  the  latter  to  give  the  former  every 
practicable  facility  for  passing  ;  and  whenever  it  shall  become 
necessary  for  that  purpose,  to  stop,  until  such  boat  for  the  carriage 
of  passengers  shall  have  fully  passed  ;  and  every  boatman  or  other 
person  who  shall  offend  against  any  part  of  this  section,  shall  forfeit, 
for  every  such  offence,  the  sum  often  dollars. 

11.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  no  person  shall  construct  any 
wharf,  basin  or  watering  place  on,  or  make  and  apply  any  device 
whatever,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  water  from  either  of  the  said 
canals,  without  first  obtaining  permission  therefoe,  of  one  of  the 
acting  commissioners,  or  of  the  principal  engineer  of  the  canal  where 
such  wharf,  basin,  watering  place,  or  device  as  aforesaid  is  desired, 
in  writing ;  and  if  any  person  shall  offend  against  this  section,  by 
attempting  to  make  any  such  construction  or  apply  such  device, 
without  such  permission,  or  shall  not  conform  to  the  directions  of 
the  acting  commissioner  or  engineer  who  may  give  such  permission, 
in  respect  to  the  location  and  size  of  such  wharf,  basin,  watering 
place,  or  device  as  aforesaid,  such  person  shall,  for  every  such 
offence,  forfeit  the  sum  of  twenty  five  dollars  ;  and  the  said  acting 
commissioners,  or  engineer,  shall  be  authorized,  at  the  expense  of 
the  person  thus  attempting  to  remove  and  destroy  every  such  wharf, 
basin,  watering  place  or  device  as  aforesaid. 

12.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  if  any  agent,  toll  collector, 
lock  keeper  or  superintendent  employed  on  either  of  the  said  canals, 
and  occupying  any  house,  office,  building  or  land  belonging  thereto, 
shall  be  discharged  from  his  employment  by  either  of  the  acting  com- 
missioners on  said  canals,  and  shall  not  deliver  up  the  possession  of 
such  house,  office,  building  or  lands  and  their  appurtenances,  together 
with  all  the  books,  papers  and  other  matters  and  things  belonging  to 
the  said  canals,  within  seven  days  next  after  notice  of  such  discharge 
shall  be  given  to  him,  or  left  at  such  house,  office  or  building  ;  or  if 
the  wife  or  family  of  any  such  agent,  toll  collector,  lock  keeper  or 
superintendent,  who  shall  die  in  either  of  said  employments,  shall 
refuse  to  deliver  up  the  possession  of  such  house,  office,  building, 
or  lands  and  appurtenances,  together  with  the  books,  papers  and 
other  matters  and  things  belonging  to  either  of  the  said  canals,  in  his, 
her  or  their  custody,  power  or  possession,  within  seven  days  after 


•#' 


(     476     ) 

another  person  shall  have  been  appointed  in  the  place  and  stead  of 
the  person  so  djing,  then  and  in  either  of  those  cases,  it  shall  be 
lawful  for  any  justice  of  the  peace,  in  the  county  where  such  house, 
office,  building  or  lands  shall  be,  and  he  is  hereby  required,  by  war- 
rant, under  his  hand  and  seal,  to  order  any  constable  or  other  peace 
officer,  with  such  assistance  as  may  be  necessary,  to  enter  such 
house,  office,  building,  or  upon  such  land,  in  the  day  time,  and  re- 
move the  persons  who  shall  be  found  therein,  together  with  their 
goods  and  chattels,  out  of  such  house,  office,  building,  and  off  from 
such  land,  and  to  take  possession  of  all  the  books,  papers,  matter'i 
and  things  belonging  to  said  canals,  and  to  deliver  possession  of  the 
same  to  the  new  appointed  agent,  toll  collector,  lock  keeper  or  super- 
intendent. 

13.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  tonnage  of  all  articles  con- 
veyed on  either  of  the  said  canals,  on  which  toll  may  be  charged 
therefor,  shall  be  ascertained  and  charged  according  to  the  real 
weight  thereof,  and  that  one  hundred  and  twelve  pounds  weight  avoir- 
dupoise  shall  be  deemed  and  taken  as  and  for  one  hundred  weight  ; 
and  in  case  any  difference  shall  arise  between  any  collector  of  the 
said  rates,  and  the  boatman  or  other  person  having  charge  of  such 
articles,  or  the  owner  thereof,  concerning  the  weight  thereof,  it 
shall  be  lawful  for  any  such  collector  to  stop  and  detain  such  articles 
together  with  the  vessels  in  which  they  may  be  contained,  and  to 
weigh  the  same  ;  and  if  upon  such  weighing  the  said  articles  shall 
be  found  to  weigh  more  than  the  account  given  thereof  by  such 
boatman,  person  or  owner,  then  it  shall  be  lawful  for  such  collector 
to  charge  toll  for  said  articles,  according  to  their  weight  thus  found  ; 
and  such  boatman,  person  or  owner,  shall  pay  the  expenses  of  such 
Tveighing,  at  the  rate  of  twelve  and  a  half  cents  for  every  ton  weighed 
to  the  said  collector,  who  in  case  of  refusal  to  pay  the  same,  on  de- 
mand, by  such  boatman,  person  or  owner,  shall  be  authorized  to 
levy  the  said  expenses,  in  the  same  manner  as  is  hereinafter  pro- 
vided in  case  of  refusal  to  pay  toll. 

14.  Aiid  be  itfurtiier  enacted,  That  in  all  cases  where  toll  is  charged 
by  the  number  of  articles  conveyed,  or  by  the  number  of  feet 
contained  therein,  if  any  difference  shall  arise  between  any  col- 
lector of  the  said  toll  and  the  boatman,  or  person  having  charge 
of  such  articles  or  the  owners  thereof  it  shall  be  lawful  for  any 
such  collector  to  stop  and  detain  such  articles,  together  with 
the  vessels  in  which  they  may  be  contained,  and  to  count  or 
measure  the  same  ;  and  if  upon  such  counting  or  measurement, 
rl  shall  be  found  that  the  said  number  of  feet  exceed  the  account 
given  by  such  boatman,  person  or  owner,  then  it  shall  be  law- 
ful for  such  collector  to  charge  toll  according  to  the  number  and 
feet  thus  found,  and  such  boatman,  person  or  owner  shall  pay 
the  expenses  of  such  counting  or  measurement,  at  the  rate  of  six 
cents  a  piece  for  such  articles  as  pay  toll  by  number,  and  twelve 
and  a  half  cents  per  hundred  feet  for  such  articles  as  pay  by  the 
foot,  for  ail  the  articles  so  counted  or  measured,  to  such   collector, 


(     477     ) 

who  in  case  of  refusal  to  pay  the  same,  on  demand,  by  such  boatman 
person  or  owner,  shall  be  authorized  to  levy  the  said  expenses,  in 
the  same  manner  as  is  herein  after  provided  in  case  of  refusal  to 
pay  toll. 

15.  And  he  it  further  enacted.  That  no  boat  or  vessel  of  any  de- 
scription shall  be  permitted  to  pass  through  any  lock,  on  either  of 
the  said  can;ds,  unless  such  boat  or  vessel,  shall  have  painted,  in 
large  letters,  near  the  head  or  stern  thereof,  and  above  the  water 
when  full  la(^en,  the  name  of  such  boat  or  vessel,  and  the  place 
#where  the  same  is  owned  ;  and  every  boat  or  vessel,  except  those 
used  exclusively  for  the  carriage  of  persons  and  their  baggage,  shall 
have  fixed  on  each  side  thereof,  two  metalic  straps,  one  near  the 
head,  and  one  near  the  stern,  extending  from  below  the  surface  of  the 
water  when  empty,  to  above  the  surface  of  the  water  when  full  la- 
den, which  straps  shall  each  be  so  graduated  and  marked,  as  distinctly 
to  show  the  amount  of  tons  weight  contained  in  said  boat  or  vessels  ; 
and  every  person  who  shall  attempt  to  pass  any  boat  or  vessel 
through  any  lock,  or  shall  introduce  any  boat  not  named  and  gradua- 
ted as  aforesaid,  into  either  of  the  said  canals,  in  violation  of  this 
section,  after  the  first  day  of  September  next,  shall  forfeit,  for 
every  such  offence,  the  sum  of  twenty-five  dollars. 

16  And  heit  further  enacted,  Th^i  no  person  navigating  either  of 
the  said  canals,  shall  be  permitted  to  use  therein  any  setting  pole, 
or  shaft  pointed  with  iron  or  other  metal,  and  if  any  person  shall  of- 
fend against  this  section,  he  shall,  for  every  such  offence,  forfeit  the 
sum  of  five  dollars,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  lock  keeper  to 
take  such  pole  or  shaft  so  found. 

17.  Andbeit  further  enacted.  That  every  boatman  or  person  hav- 
ing charge  of  property  moving  on  either  of  the  said  canals  shall 
give  to  such  persons  as  may  be  duly  authorized  to  collect  tolls,  at  the 
place  where  such  collector  shall  attend  for  that  purpose,  a  just  ac- 
count or  bill  of  lading,  in  writing,  signed  by  the  person  or  persons 
sending  or  conveying  such  property,  or  by  his  or  their  clerk  or 
agent,  which  account  shall  contain  a  statement  of  the  weight  of  all  the 
property  on  which  toll  is  charged  by  the  ton,  and  of  the  number  of  all 
rticles  on  which  toll  is  charged  by  the  number,  and  of  the  feet  of 
articles  on  which  toll  is  charged  by  the  foot  ;  and  in  all  cases  where 
a  difference  in  the  rate  of  toll  is  charged  on  different  articles,  the 
weight  or  quantity  of  each  specifically  set  forth  ;  and  it  shall  contain 
a  statement  of  the  place  from  which  such  property  is  brought,  and 
where  the  same  is  intended  to  be  landed  ;  and  in  case  any  boatman 
or  person  having  charge  of  any  property  as  aforesaid,  shall  neglect 
or  refuse  to  give  such  account  when  thereto  requested  by  any  such 
collector,  or  shall  wilfully  and  knowingly  give  a  false  account,  or  de- 
liver any  part  of  such  property  at  any  other  place,  than  that  men- 
tioned in  said  account  ;  or  shall  wilfully  do  any  other  act  whereby 
the  payment  of  said  toll,  or  any  part  thereof,  shall  be  avoided,  or  if 
the  person  required  to  sign  such  account,  shall  sign  a  false  account 
of  such  property,  every  person  so  offending  shall  forfeit,  for  such 
offence,  the  sum  of  twenty-five  dollars. 


(     478     ) 

18.  Andbe  it  further  enacted,  That  any  collector  of  toll,  duly  au- 
thorized by  the  canal  commissioners,  may  stop  and  detain  all  boats 
and  other  property  floating  on  either  of  the  said  canals,  until  the 
boatman  or  person  having  charge  thereof  or  the  owner  thereof  shall 
pay  the  toll  or  may  distrain  any  part  of  the  said  property  sufficient 
to  satisfy  the  same,  which  distress  shall  be  kept  by  the  collector  of 
tolls  taking  the  same,  for  the  space  of  eight  days,  and  afterwards,  be 
sold  at  public  auction  at  the  place  where  such  tolls  are  usually  re- 
ceivable, to  the  highest  bidder,  rendering  the  surplus  on  demand,  if 
any  there  be  after  payment  of  the  said  toll  and  the  cost  of  distress 
and  sale,    to  the  owner  or  owners  thereof. 

19.  Andbe  it  further  enacted,  That  for  all  damages  done  to  either 
of  said  canals,  or  any  of  the  works  connected  therewith,  either  of 
the  acting  commissioners  or  principal  engineers  shall  be  authorized 
to  sue  in  any  court  of  competent  jurisdiction  ;  and  if  a  verdict  or 
judgement  shall  be  given,  either  on  proof  made,  or  by  default,  or 
upon  demurrer,  against  any  person  or  persons,  for  such  damages, 
the  plaintiff  shall  recover  the  same,  with  full  costs  of  suit  ;  and  in 
all  cases  in  which  suits  are  brought,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  canal 
commissioners  to  have  accurate  accounts  kept  of  the  amount  of  re- 
coveries and  of  costs  and  expenses,  and  after  deducting  the  said 
costs  and  expenses  from  said  amount,  to  pay  the  residue  of  said  re- 
coveries over  to  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund. 

20.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  canal  commissioners  shall 
be  authorized  to  establish  the  rates  of  toll  to  be  paid  on  all  articles 
conveyed  on  either  of  the  said  canals  in  any  manner,  and  to  erect  all 
such  toll  houses,  weighing  scales,  offices  and  other  edifices,  and 
purchase  such  ground  for  the  convenience  thereof,  as  they  may 
think  necessary  for  the  convenient  and  profitable  use  of  the  said  ca" 
nals,  at  such  times  and  places  as- they  may  deem  proper,  and  that  they 
shall  be  authorized  from  time  to  time,  to  make  all  such  rules  and  re- 
gulations in  respect  to  the  collection  of  toll  and  the  payment  thereof 
to  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund,  in  respectto  the  size  and  struc- 
ture of  boats,  rafts,  and  other  floating  things,  on  the  waters  of  each 
of  the  said  canals,  and  in  respect  to  all  matters,  in  any  way  connected 
with  the  navigation  thereof,  and  to  impose  such  forfeitureft  of  money 
fo.r  the  breach  of  such  rules  and  regulations,  as  they  may  deem  rea- 
sonable, from  time  to  time,  provided  said  forfeitures  shall  in  no  one 
case  exceed  the  sum  of  twenty-five  dollars. 

21.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  in  all  cases  in  which  it  shall  ■ 
be  deemed  necessary  by  the  principal  engineer,  in  laying  out  the 
line  of  the  Erie  and  Champlain  canals,  or  any  work  connected  there- 
with, to  discontinue  or  alter  any  part  of  a  public  road  or  highway, 
on  account  of  its  interfering  with  a  proper  location  or  construction 
of  either  of  said  canals,  such  engineer  shall  be  authorized  to  make 
such  discontinuance  or  alteration  ;  and  upon  his  drawing  up,  in  wri- 
ting and  figures  a  true  description  of  all  such  parts  of  any  pub- 
lic road  or  highway  as  he  may  discontinue  and  new  lay  on  the  ac- 
count aforesaid,  and  filing  the  same  in  the  clerk's  office  of  the  town 


(     479     ) 

of  which  such  discontinuance  and  alteration  may  be  situated,  the 
same  shall  be  lawful  :  Provided  hozaever,  That  the  canal  commission- 
ers shall,  before  they  obstruct  the  passage  on  any  part  of  the  high- 
way now  legally  established,  open  and  reasonably  work,  in  order  to 
render  it  passable  such  part  of  said  highway  as  may  be  new  laid  by 
said  engineer  as  aforesaid  ;  and  the  certificate  of  said  engineer,  ia 
writing,  that  the  part  of  any  highway  new  laid  as  aforesaid,  is  opened 
and  reasonably  worked  as  aforesaid,  by  said  canal  commissioners, 
shall  be  sufficient  for  their  justification  ;  and  that  any  alteration 
heretofore  made  by  any  engineer,  in  any  public  road  or  highway,  on 
either  of  the  said  canals,  shall,  from  the  time  of  such  alteration,  be 
deemed  lawful  to  all  intents  and  purposes. 

22,  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  no  acting  commissioner,  or 
principal  or  assistant  engineer,  employed  on  either  of  the  said  ca 
nals,  shall  be  liable  to  be  taken  by  warrant  in  any  civil  suit,  arising 
out  of,  or  connected  with  their  official  duties,  any  law  to  the  con- 
trary notwithstanding :  but  that  such  persons  may  be  proceeded 
against  by  summons  in  all  cases. 

23.  jlnd  be  it  further  enacted,  That  all  penalties  and  forfeitures 
created  by  this  act,  the  recovery  of  which  is  not  otherwise  herein 
specially  provided  for,  may  be  sued  for  and  recovered  before  any 
justice  of  the  peace,  in  any  county  where  such  penalty  or  forfeiture 
shall  accrue,  in  the  name  of  either  of  the  canal  commissioners, 
principal  engineers,  or  any  collector  of  toll  duly  appointed  by  said 
commissioners,  who  are  hereby  respectively  autbprized  to  sue  for 
and  recover  the  same  ;  and  the  amount  of  such  penalties  and  for- 
feitures, when  recovered,  shall  be  paid  over  or  accounted  for  to  the 
commissioners  of  the  canal  fund. 


Jin  Act  to  amend  "  An  Act  respecting  navigable  Communications 
between  the  Great  Western  and  Northern  Lakes  and  the  Atlantic 
Oce^i,''  passed  April  ]5th,  1817,  and  for  other  purposes. 

Passed  March  30,  1820. 

1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New-York,  represented 
in  Senate  and  Assembly,  That  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  April 
next,  the  collection  of  the  tax  of  one  dollar  upon  each  steam  boat 
passenger  on  the  Hudson  river,  imposed  by  the  act  above  mentioned, 
shall  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  suspended  until  the  payment  thereof 
shall  become  necessary  to  the  redemption  of  the  pledge  given  by  the 
state  in  the  act  aforesaid,  so  far  as  the  same  relates  to  the  loans 
which  have  already  been  made  under  the  said  act,  wifLou!:  reference 
to  any  loans  which  may  hereafter  be  made  under  the  same,  and -the 
collection  thereof  directed  by  law. 

2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  for  the  purposes  contemplated 
by  the  said  act,  in  lieu  of  the  tax,  the  payment  and  collection  whereof 


(     480     ) 

is  above  suspended,  and  for  the  payment  of  the  interest  and  final 
redemption  of  the  principal  of  the  sums  borrowed  or  to  \>n  borrowed 
by  virtue  of  the  said  act,  there  shall  be  and  hereby  is  appropriated 
and  pledged  five  thousand  dollars  annually  ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  president  and  directors  of  the  north  river  steam  boat  company, 
and  they  are  hereby  required,  in  each  and  every  year  during  the 
continuance  of  their  charter,  and  as  long  as  the  payment  and  collec- 
tion of  the  said  tax  shall  remain  suspended  as  aforesaid,  on  or  before 
the  first  day  of  January,  to  pay  into  the  treasury  of  this  state  the 
sum  of  five  thousand  dollars  ;  and  in  case  of  any  neglect  or  refusal  in 
paying  over  to  the  treasurer  of  this  state  the  said  sum  of  five  thousand 
dollars  annually,  the  said  president  and  secretary  and  the  company 
incorporated  under  the  name  and  style  of  "  the  North  River  Steam 
Boat  Company,"  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of  one  thousand 
dollars,  besides  the  amount  so  directed  to  be  paid  over,  to  be  recovered 
in  an  action  of  debt  in  the  name  of  the  people  of  this  state,  and  for 
the  use  of  the  aforesaid  fund  ;  and  the  owners  of  stock  in  such  com- 
pany shall  be  personally  responsible  for  such  amount,  and  the  penalty 
also. 

3.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  commissioners  of  the  land 
ofiice  be  and  are  hereby  directed  to  cause  to  be  surveyed  into  lots  of 
such  size  as  they  shall  deem  for  the  interest  of  the  state,  the  lands 
owned  by  the  people  of  the  state  of  New- York  in  the  tract  set  apart 
for  the  use  of  the  salt  springs  in  the  county  of  Onondaga,  except 
such  parts  thereof  as  are  now  leased  under  any  existing  laws  of  this 
state,  and  such  other  parts  as  they  may  deem  it  expedient  to  reserve, 
and  to  sell  the  same  in  the  manner  that  unappropriated  lands  of  the 
state  are  directed  to  be  sold,  in  such  parts  and  at  such  times  as  they 
shall  judge  best  for  the  interest  of  the  state  ;  reserving  to  the  people 
of  the  state,  in  all  sales  of  land  made  under  this  act,  all  salt  springs, 
salt  mines,  coal  mines,  and  other  mines  and  minerals  upon  such  lands, 
with  a  right  to  enter  on  and  use  such  parts  thereof  as  may  be 
necessary  to  dig  or  work  such  mines  or  springs. 

4.  Jlnd  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  commissioners  of  the 
land  office  be  and  are  hereby  authorized  to  receive  surrenders  of 
the  leases  of  such  of  the  pasture  and  marsh  lots  as  the  present  lessees 
are  willing  to  surrender. 

6.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  said  commissioners  of  the 
land  office  be  and  are  hereby  authorized  in  their  discretion,  to  obtain 
by  compromise  the  surrender  of  such  of  the  marsh  lots  and  pasture 
lots  on  said  tract  as  in  their  opinion  may  be  necessary  for  the  future 
growth  of  the  villages  on  said  tract,  and  for  the  extension  of  the 
manufactories  thereon,  and  to  cause  to  be  laid  out  so  many  village 
lots  and  salt  manufacturing  lots,  with  such  additional  streets,  squares 
and  places  of  deposit  for  wood  and  bulky  commodities  as  in  their 
opinion  the  future  growth  and  accommodation  of  said  villages  and  the 
extension  of  salt  manufactories  may  require  ;  and  to  cause  the  said 
village  lots  to  be  sold  in  the  manner  provided  in  the  third  section  of 
this  act.     Provided,  That  the  said  commissioners  shall  reserve  for 


(     *81     ) 

such  future  extension  of  the  salt  manufactories  such  marsh  and 
uplands  adjacent  to  each  of  the  salt  manufacturing  villages  on  said 
tract  as  in  their  opinion  may  ever  be  necessary  or  useful  for  the 
future  extension  of  said  manufactories,  and  for  the  state  to  retain  in 
their  hands,  to  prevent  any  monopoly  of,  the  ground  most  suitable 
for  the  erection  of  manufactories  of  salt. 

6.  And  he  it  further  enacted.  That  the  monies  arising  from  the 
sales  of  any  lands  by  virtue  of  this  act,  shall  be  paid  over  to  the 
commissioners  of  the  canal  fund,  to  be  by  them  applied  to  the  uses 
for  which  such  fund  was  created  :  Provided,  That  the  legislature 
may  at  any  time  hereafter  make  an  appropriation  of  any  portion  of 
the  proceeds  of  the  said  lands  for  the  improvement  of  the  navigation 
of  the  Oswego  river,  and  the  communication  between  the  Salina 
branch  canal,  and  the  Onondaga  lake. 

7  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  sum  of  twenty-five  thousand 
dollars  arising  from  the  first  of  said  sales  be  and  is  hereby  appro- 
priated for  the  improvement  of  the  navigation  of  Oswego  river,  un- 
der the  direction  of  the  canal  commissioners  ;  and  it  shall  and  may 
be  lawful  for  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  forthwith  to  bor- 
row, on  the  credit  of  the  fund  arising  from  the  sales  of  said  lands, 
at  a  rate  of  interest  not  exceeding  six  per  cent  per  annum,  the  sum 
of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  to  be  repaid  by  the  said  first  of  the 
said  monies  arising  from  said  sales  ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
commissioners  of  the  canal  fund,  as  soon  as  they  shall  have  so  bor- 
rowed the  same,  to  pay  over  the  same  to  the  canal  commissioners, 
to  be  by  them  applied   in  the  improvement  of  the  Oswego  river. 


An  Act  concerning  the  Erie  and  Cftamplain  Canals. 

Passed  April  12,  1820. 

1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New-York,  represented 
in  Senate  and  Assembly.  That  the  comptroller  is  hereby  authorized 
and  required  to  allow  the  canal  commissioners,  in  the  settlement  of 
their  accounts,  seventeen  hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars  and  three 
cents,  it  being  the  sum  paid  by  said  commissioners,  for  interest  on 
one  hundred  twenty-two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  borrowed  by 
them  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  nineteen,  and  ex- 
pended in  making  the  Erie  and  Champlain  canals. 

2.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  whenever  the  damages,  to  be 
sustained  by  the  Western  Inland  Lock  Navigation  Company,  by  in- 
vesting ia  the  people  of  this  state,  all  the  lands,  waters,  canals, 
locks,  feeders,  and  appurtenances,  claimed  by  the  said  company, 
shall  be  appraised  and  determined,  in  the  manner  required  by  the 
fourth  section  of  the  act,  entitled,  "  An  act  respecting  navigable 
communications  between  the  great  Western  and  Northern  lakes  and 
the  Atlantic  ocean,"  passed  April  fifteenth,  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred and  seventeen,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  commissioners  of 
the  canal  fund,  in  addition  to  the  sums  which  they  are  now  authorized 
annually  to  borrow,  to  borrow  on  the  credit  of  this  state,  at  a  rate  of 

62 


(     ^«2     ) 

interest  not  exceeding  six  per  centum  per  annum,  the  amount  of 
said  damages,  and  the  expense  of  said  appraisal,  and  also,  the  further 
sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars, 
when  required  by  the  canal  commissioners,  to  be  expended  in  mak- 
ing canals  during  the  present  year,  for  which  monies  so  to  be  borrow- 
ed certificates  of  stock  shall  be  issued  in  the  manner  directed  by  the 
first  section  of  said  act. 

3,  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  one-fourth  of  the  monies  to 
be  applied  in  constructing  the  said  canals  shall  be  appropriated  to- 
wards the  construction  of  the  Champlain  canal,  and  the  remaining 
three-fourths,  one-half  towards  the  western  section  of  the  Erie  ca- 
nal, and  the  remaining  half  towards  the  eastern  section  of  the  said 
Erie  canal ;  provided  however,  that  the  canal  commissioners  should 
be  authorized  out  of  the  said  monies,  to  complete  and  keep  in  repair, 
such  parts  of  the  canal  as  have  been  in  part,  or  wholly  finished  :  and 
provided  further,  that  in  case  the  respective  amounts  above  appro- 
priated, should  prove  more  than  can  be  judiciously  expended  on  the 
said  different  sections,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  commissioners,  es- 
pecially charged  with  the  superintendence  of  such  section,  to  con- 
sent to  the  expenditure  thereof  on  the  other  sections. 


STATE  OF  NEW.YORK. 

In  Assembly,  5th  April,  1820. 

Resolved,  (if  the  honourable  the  senate  concur  herein,)  That 
the  canal  commissioners  be  directed  to  keep  a  separate  and  distinct 
account  of  all  monies  which  may  hereafter  be  expended  on  or  about 
the  middle  section  of  the  western  canal,  or  in  keeping  the  same  in 
repair,  and  of  the  monies  which  may  be  received  on  said  section  for 
tolls  ;  and  a  like  account  in  respect  to  any  other  section  of  the  west- 
ern and  northern  canals,  whenever  any  such  section  shall  be  finished, 
and  to  report  the  same  annually  to  the  legislature. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  deliver  a  copy  of  this    resolution    to    the 
hon.  the  senate,  and  request  their  concurrence  in  the  same. 
i,-  By  order, 

AARON  CLARK,  Cl'k 

STATE  OF  NEW-YORK. 

In  Senate,  April  6,  1820. 

Resolved,  That  the  senate  do  concur  with  the  hon.  the  assembly 
in  their  said  resolution. 

By  order, 

J.  F.  BACON,  Crk. 


(     483     ) 

An  Act  concerning  the  Erie  and  Champlain  Canals, 

PASSED  FEBRUARY  9,   1821. 

Whereas  in  the  prosecution  of  the  great  western  and  northern  ca- 
tials,  experience  has  not  only  demonstrated,  the  practicability  of  their 
construction,  but  so  far  as  any  portions  of  them  have  been  completed, 
their  unquestionable  utility  :  And  whereas  it  is  of  great  importance  to 
the  interests  of  this  state  that  the  whole  should  be  finished  and  made 
productive  without  any  unnecessary  delay,  and  at  a  period  when  all 
circumstances  are  highly  favourable  to  their  progress  :  Therefore, 
in  consideration  of  the  great  advantages  which  offer  at  the  present 
time,  in  the  cheapness  and  abundance  of  labour,  and  in  the  low  rate 
at  which  money  maybe  obtained,  for  the  accomplishment  of  these 
interesting  and  useful  works 

1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  New-York  represented  in 
Senate  and  Assembly,  That  the  commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  be  and 
they  are  hereby  empowered  in  addition  to  he  loans  already  authori- 
zed by  law,  to  borrow  from  time  to  time  during  the  years  one  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  and  twenty-one,  and  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  twenty  two,  monies  on  the  credit  of  the  State,  at  a  rate  not  ex- 
ceeding six  per  cent  per  annum,  and  not  exceeding  one  million  of 
dollars  in  each  year,  for  which  monies  so  to  be  borrowed  certificates  of 
stock  shall  be  issued  in  the  manner  directed  in  and  by  the  act  entitled 
"  an  act  to  improve  the  funds  and  to  provide  for  the  redemption  of 
the  funded  debt  of  the  State"  payable  at  such  time  or  times  as  may 
be  determined  by  the  said  board,  out  of  the  canal  fund,  and  to  pay  to 
the  canal  commissioners,  this  monies  so  to  be  borrowed,  to  be  appli- 
ed in  the  same  manner  and  proportion  as  already  provided  for  by  law; 
Provided,  That  it  shall  not  be  lawful  for  the  commissioners  of  the 
canal  fund,  to  make  loans  under  this  act,  beyond  such  amount  as  for 
the  payment  of  the  interest  thereof,  the  canal  fund  at  the  time  shall  be 
deemed  ample  and  sufficient. 

2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That,it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  two  houses 
of  the  legislature  by  concurrent  resolution,  to  appoint  an  additional 
canal  commissioner  and  that  the  commissioner  so  appointed  as  well 
as  the  present  commissioners,  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  du- 
ring the  pleasure  of  the  two  houses  of  the  legislature,  subject  to  be 
removed  by  concurrent  resolution  of  the  two  houses. 

3.  And  he  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  two 
houses  of  the  legislature  by  concurrent  resolution  to  appoint  three 
appraisers  on  the  eastern  section  of  the  Erie  canal,  and  three  ap- 
praisers on  the  western  section  of  theErie  canal,  andthree  appraisers 
on  the  Champlain  canal,  and  that  the  appraisers  so  appointed  as  well 
as  the  present  appraisers  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  during 
the  pleasure  of  the  legislature,  subject  to  be  removed  by  concurrent 
resolution  of  the  two  houses. 

4.  And  beit  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  and 
every  canal  commissioner  already  appointed,  to  superintend  the  ma- 


(     484     ) 

king  and  constructing  of  either  the  Erie  or  Champlain  canals  within 
sixty  days  from  the  passage  of  this  act,  and  of  every  acting  canal  com- 
inissioner  hereafter  appointed,  before  entering  upon  the  duties  of  his 
office,  to  enter  into  a  bond  to  the  people  of  this  state,  with  at  least 
two  substantial  freeholders,  as  sureties,  in  a  penal  sum  of  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars,  conditioned  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  now 
enjoined,  or  that  may  hereafter  be  enjoined  on  him  by  law,  and  for 
the  faithful  accounting  for  all  monies  intrusted  to  him  as  such  acting 
canal  commissioner,  whenever  and  as  often  as  he  may  be  required  so 
to  do  by  law,  or  by  concurrent  resolution  of  the  senate  and  assembly 
or  by  the  comptroller  of  this  state,  and  the  said  bonds  shall  be  approv- 
ed of  by  the  comptroller,  and  filed  in  his  office. 

6.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  in  order  the  better  to  guard 
against  mistakes  and  losses,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  acting  canal 
commissioners  respectively  hereafter  to  take  duplicate  receipts,  for 
all  sums  of  money  which  they  may  advance  and  pay  to  their  engineers 
contractors  and  agents. 

6.  And  he  it  further  enacted,  That  whenever  the  sum  or  sums  of 
money  paid  to  any  canal  commissioner,  and  remaining  unaccounted 
for,  shall  amount  to  fifty  thousand  dollars,  it  shall  not  be  lawful  for  the 
commissioners  of  the  canal  fund  to  advance  or  pay  to  such  canal  com- 
missioner, any  further  sum  or  sums  of  money  until  he  shall  first  have 
produced  an  account  and  vouchers  to  the  comptroller,  showing  the 
payment  or  expenditure  on  the  canal,  of  at  least  forty  thousand  dol- 
lars of  said  sum. 

7.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  com- 
missioners of  the  canal  fund,  previous  to  every  loan,  hereafter  to  be 
made,  to  give  notice  of  such  intended  loan,  that  sealed  proposals 
will  be  received  to  a  given  day,  which  proposals  shall  not  be  opened 
until  a  certain  hour  of  such  day,  to  be  named  in  the  notice,  and 
said  notice  shall  be  published  in  two  newspapers  in  each  of  the 
cities  of  Albany  and  New-York,  and  continued  for  two  weeks  daily 
in  the  New-York  papers,  and  at  least  twice  a  week  in  the  Albany 
papers. 

STATE  OF  NEW-YORK  > 
secretary's  office       ^ 
I  certify  the  preceding  to  be  a  true  copy  of  an  original  act  of  the 
Legislature  of  this  State  on  file  in  this  office 

ARCH'D  CAMPBELL 
Albany  March  \.  \^2l,  Dep,  Secretary 

Note  In  the  introduction,  a  reference  was  made  to  the  letter  by 
Mr.  GEORGE  BOWEN,  rcceutlj  of  the  commercial  house  of  Bowen  & 
Co.  of  Pittsburgh,  but  now  a  merchant  of  this  city.  Of  Mr.  Bowens 
extensive  mercantile  knowledge,  I  have  the  most  perfect  reliance. 
His  letter  to  me  is  a  very  valuable  paper,  and  I  sincerely  regret 
that  it  is  mislaid,  and  cannot  be  added  to  the  appendix.  Many  of  my 
calculations,  relating  to  the  trade  of  the  western  country,  was  ground- 
ed on  the  data  which  it  furnished.  I  yet  intend  to  give  this  docu- 
ment to  the  public  in  another  shape,  and  can  now  render  Mr.  Bowen 
no  other  return ,  than  the  assurance  of  my  gratitude . 


PAGE 

First  Annual  Report,  1810,  .  -  .  ^         1 

Second  Annual  Report,  1812,  .  .  .  53 

Documents  relating  to  the  Application  to  the  General  Go- 
vernment, -  -  -  -  -  -      56 

Memorial  of  the  Citizens  of  New-York,  which  renewed  our 
Canal  policy,  -  -  -  -  -  77 

TbiFd  Annual  Report,  relating  to  both  Canals,         -  -     103 

Application  to  Congress,  to  other  States,  and  information  re- 
specting other  Canals,  -  -  -  -  192 

Report  of -a  Joint  Committee  relating  to  the  Canals  -     242 

Communication  from  the  Canal  Commissioners  to  the  Legisla- 
ture, --.._.  259 
Fourth  Annual  Report,  1818,          -             -            .            .     275 
Fifth  Annual  Report,  1819,        -             -             .             .           sjj 
Sixth  Annual  Report,  1820,            -             -             -             -     344 

Report  of  the  Committee  on  Canals,  and  answer  of  the  Ca- 
nal Commissioners  to  George  Huntington,  Esq.  -  373 
Report  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Canal  Fund,  -  -  401 
Letter  of  David  S.  Bates  to  Canal  Commissioners,  -  407 
Report  relating  to  Buffalo  harbour,  -  -  -  421 
Seventh  Annual  Report,  1821,            -             -             .  249 


:^  b  b  /     y 


DATE  DUE 

fvfn\/    o  q 

/989 

] 

DEC  20 

1989 

[ 
1 

201-5503 

PRINTED  IN  U.S.A. 

i 


BOSTON  COLLEGE 


3  9031   01671543  5 


